Fishing with Don Meissner

Don's Fishing Journal

Tuesday, Jan. 19th, 2010

Fran BettersI recently learned of the passing of Fran Betters. In a world where many people breathe and dream trout, Fran was a legend. For decades his fly shop was the meeting place for visiting anglers seeking advice on best flies or hot sections of the fabled Ausable River. Fran wrote several books about the region he loved, and his poems will keep his spirit eternal for all who long for the Adirondack experience.

I remember Fran greeting folks as they entered his shop, always eager to tell a joke or stir their excitement with tales of huge trout impatiently waiting to do battle with the next hapless fisherman that invaded their home pool. Fran was a master fly tier, and had a number of locals who helped keep his shop stocked with all the deadly patterns that were guaranteed to fool even the wariest old brown.

I remember doing a "Streamside" Show where Fran was my guest. He took me to one of his favorite sections of the river and would point to some underwater rock that I couldn’t even see and tell me to cast there and expect a strike. And most of the time he was right. People like Fran made it so much easier for me to enjoy those unique fishing areas that I would not have been able to discover as easily on my own. He made the show special, and for that, I will remember him fondly. Fran will indeed be missed, and he will live on in our memories.



The Fishing with Don Meissner video series:

Loading...

View full-length versions of Don's video series


Thursday, Jan. 7th, 2010

I am not going to make this sound like a story for a magazine. I have to admit that whenever I try to write something for this site, it is difficult for me to just ramble, to just let my thoughts flow and to hell with erudition. But today, I am going to write with my heart. So here it goes! 

When I was a kid, I would often say that I loved fishing more than anything. And then hunting season would come around, and I became a fickle lover. A gun replaced the fishing rod as my constant companion, and for several months, I spent every moment hunting cottontails, woodcock, partridge (grouse) ducks, and yes, DEER. 


About twenty five years ago, my life went through a dramatic change; I became the host of PBS series, Rod @ Reel Streamside. Fishing became a twelve month obsession, and my life a field was only a fond memory. While I lamented not being able to sample the latest gun and archery developments, I experienced a life few could imagine. However, love is love, and in some cases it NEVER dies. 

It’s funny... MORE

Fishing News

Fly Fishing News - MidCurrent

Video: Kirk Deeter Doubles Up

Ascension Bay Lodge Owner Writes "Painted Fish" Cookbook

Bear Attack at Soda Butte Kills One, Injures Two Others

Bill Haenel on Fishing

The big, scary Obama Fishing Ban

Beaver Country

New Smallmouth Bass Fishing Video from Don Meissner

NCPR Topical RSS: fishing

North Country loses two outdoor advocates, Ed Ketchledge & Dennis Aprill

Green groups want Obama to protect Great Lakes from Asian carp invasion

Sayward questions Grannis in budget hearings

FlyTalk

My Favorite Blast & Cast

Bass Eats Out Of Hand

Dick Cheney, Guest of Honor at AMFF - Huh?

PR.com Press Releases: Sports: Fishing News

The Ultimate Fishing Contest / Drawing

Fish Camp! by Jasper Guide Services and Urban Ventures Partner to Teach Minneapolis Youth Fishing and Boating Skills

Beaverkill Press Celebrates "Land of Little Rivers" Tenth Anniversary with Relaunch

  powered by web marketing worx