Talent and Skill on the Fly

Some companies golf for a little R&R and team building.  Our company grabs waders, fly rods and heads out to our local home waters.  This was obvious to me from day one seven years ago.  Over the years I have watched many newbies develop into great anglers.  We are just as passionate about introducing people to fly fishing as we are about fly fishing ourselves.  I remember many days when a much more knowledgeable angler would tote me along on a drift boat, or drop everything they were doing to make sure I had on the correct fly set up, take the time to test my knots, adjust my indicator, etc.  Generally there was always someone there to make sure I was being effective and safe.

The guys at our fly shop are talented and skilled in their trade. I have come to appreciate our time out on the waters together to the point where I now spend more time watching them than I do fishing.  Watching what they have done over the years always makes me think of one of my favorite quotes by Will Smith,

"The separation of talent and skill is one of the greats misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things.  Talent you have naturally.  Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft."

Will may or may not be talented and skilled in fly fishing, but it would safe to say his quote fits the passion and drive our shop guys have for their trade.  Long days at work, late nights on the river, miles and miles on the road just to beat on their craft sure makes it fun watching them excel in what they do.