With the BIG camper’s trip happening over the weekend most FATC fly fishers were down at Lake Taneycomo. So only three of us had the opportunity for the graduation of new member, Keeton Keenum.  Don Varner joined Kenny Klimes and Keeton on his graduation day and well, Keeton did not need much help.  Keeton did an outstanding job all around – now his Dad, who will graduate later in the month, has a long way to go to top his son.

Don and Kenny rode down to Montauk together as Keeton who lives in Pacific decided to meet us there at Montauk.  We got on the water by 9am and Keeton answered all of Kenny’s questions as they headed to the river – it was like he had a copy of the test earlier.  Keeton took two casts without a fly and Kenny said your done let’s fish! Keeton worked on different techniques before noon and caught his graduation trout early.  The three of us met for lunch, talked of afternoon tactics. Then Kenny and Keeton headed up to the beginning of the Current river.

Keeton had no problems with the different scenarios that Kenny threw at him.  He missed a few that he had on but netted the majority of them.  It seemed the number one fly was the black zebra midge although the copper john did well along with the Primrose and Pearl midge. Keeton ended his day with a break off, so Kenny had to whack two more trout to show Keeton that he is the Sensei.

Keeton picked Hicks BBQ for our fellowship dinner but too our surprise they were out of Ory’s Spud (the traditional new guy dinner). “Keeton, we will get you next time for sure!”  Despite the “thin” size of the group it was a beautiful, uncrowded day on the water for us.  If possible, get out now before the campers take over in the summer months. Congrats to Keeton – awesome job!