This past April, I had the fly fishing trip of a lifetime out of Beaver Creek, Colorado. With a fantastic guide from Minturn Anglers, we floated down the Roaring Fork River under bluebird skies and perfect spring weather. Over the course of the day, I landed 16 trout—including two really nice ones—which is probably more than I’ve caught in my entire (brief but enthusiastic) fly fishing career.

It wasn’t just the fish that made the day memorable. Thanks to an inner ear balance issue, my wading days are officially behind me. Even two walking sticks couldn’t keep me upright. In fact, my guide told me I was the first client he almost lost overboard—which, considering how cold that water was, would’ve turned this into a much wetter story. Thankfully, I stayed in the raft, kept my rod in hand, and came out with some incredible memories—and a fish count I may never top again.

Then in June, I had another unforgettable day—this time on the Meramec River in Missouri with Augustus Knickmeyer, a fellow FATC member, skilled guide, and generous mentor. We had a blast fishing topwater and caught plenty of smallmouth bass, including one keeper that I proudly released. It was my first smallmouth on a fly rod since I was a kid growing up in Indiana. That tug on the line brought back a wave of memories and reminded me just how timeless this sport can be.

Between both trips, I may not have set any world records, but I came away with great stories, new friendships, and a renewed love for fly fishing—wobbly balance and all.