"REDHIPYUP"

by

Boot Pierce

June, 1998

Over the last year or so I have found that, while there are three different types of fly fishermen in society, the "YUPPIE", the "REDNECK", and the "HIPPIE", what it really boils down to is one fly fishermen on the river helping another. Stereotypes can be drawn for each of the three groups, but nature doesn't have pigeon holes like humans do and in the end we are all part of only one large group, fly fishermen. However, after some soul searching I have decided to create a new group of fly fisherman, the "REDHIPYUP". A bastardization of all three groups which I feel most of world will fall into. Let me explain.

We have all heard of the "YUPPIE" group of fly fisherman. You know the rich Doctor or Lawyer type. More money is spent on trying to impress the others fishing around them than catching fish. Every stitch of clothing they wear has a real expensive price tag and a brand name on it somewhere for the world to see. This group uses only the best equipment and has the most impressive fly boxes on the river. Others groups would cringe at the thought of using such expensive stuff just to impress colleagues. The fishermen in this group will likely be surrounded by three or four other similarly dressed guys and maybe even a guide. To these guys fly fishing is a social event where business mixes with pleasure. Cigar smoke and brandy wine are almost a dead give-away for this group. Gentlemen only catch and release.

Next we have the "REDNECK" group of fly fishermen. If not for the fly rod and occasional vest you would think these guys just came out of the woods from a day of hunting. They tend to fish in camouflage and have made it their mission to defeat the fish by any means possible. Unlike the brandy snipping yuppies these guys are more likely to have a 12 pack of Budweiser floating beside them and a pack of Malboro's in their pocket as they fish. Rednecks often fish in pairs so that one can watch the others back and have been known to carry a sidearm to defend themselves against snakes and the like. "FISH-ON" is not in the rednecks vocabulary. It is more of a "YEA HAW" when the fish bite. Catch yes, Release hell! We'll have a fish fry with this mess of fish.

Finally, we have the "HIPPIE" group of fly fisherman. Most of the time they spent their early lives trying to decide what is more important fishing or yelling at the government. This group is quite the pleasant bunch and more often than not will have caught the most fish when the day is done. When you see these guys on the river their clothes are usually well worn and what is sometimes called "just getting broke in". The flies in their boxes are normally hand tied and quite impressive. The hippie is usually a solitaire fisherman and his tracks are the ones that continue beyond where the trail stops. His drink of choice varies, but often times Evian water or a small coffee pot can be found in the back of his vest. Their a quite bunch and your not real sure if their there to fish or commune with nature. Catch and release mostly, but keep one or two every now and then.

It is amazing what happens when members of these three groups meet. All of a sudden the stereotypes are broken down and the conversations actually occur. Tying techniques, last years trip out west, and fly presentation become a common bond between all. One thing that I have found quite refreshing about all three groups is their willingness to help a novice fly fisherman. Like I said I am new to the sport, but in this brief time I have had total strangers walk up to me and hand me a fly saying "I see your not catching much, try fishing this wet and downstream". I still didn't catch a fish with his fly, but it was the brief conversation that was so interesting. Here was a definite "YUPPIE", who would never talk to me in the real world unless I was paying for his medical or legal services, and between us there was a common thread. Then there was that Ice cold beer from another gentleman which sure did taste good on the hot July afternoon.

Now You may be asking yourself where do you fall in these groups. Sometimes it is hard to really say and you really have to think about it. I tried once to figure it out and guess what? My conclusion came out to be somewhat confusing. When it comes to looks I am really a mess. Cowboy boots with blue jeans, long hair covered with a floppy old fishing hat and Eddie Bauer turtle neck make up the daily ensemble. See what I mean, what an identity crisis. In the end I concluded that I've taken some characteristics from each group and now picture myself as a new group all together. What I call a "REDHIPYUP". Much to my wives dismay, I've been known to stop at a fresh road-kill to scavenge the usable hair or feathers for tying. I guess thats kind of the "Redneck" side of me, The "Hippie" side comes out when I catch myself sitting alone on a logs and listening to the stream as it slowly passes by. A fine cigar and good whiskey is sure nice to have from time to time, so I guess I too am part "Yuppie"

The greatest thing about the sport of fly fishing is it breaks down barriers that are set up by society. I have made lots of friends that I normally would not have simple due to differing social status in the community. Nature has a way of evening the odds so that in the end it is a matter of fishermen helping fishermen.