I thought I knew how to fly fish until I spent a little
time with Keith Oxby, an Orvis instructor at Dogwood Canyon. He showed me how
my gear should work, the reasons behind matching line sizes, the differences
in gear, how to tie essential knots, how to present a fly, and in reality, how
to fly fish. A few hours with a good teacher can change something that is just
"OK" into something that can become a passion. After only a couple of hours, I
realized he is a great teacher who loves to teach fly-fishing. I was counting
on golf to carry me into old age, but now I can add fly-fishing.
H Murray February 18, 2004
Thanks again for a great instruction on fly fishing. Even though I may not
have shown it with my expression. I was very happy with the accomplishment of
landing that beautiful rainbow trout. I am already planning my trip to the
Southern Council Conclave, and leaving several days early to do some fishing.
Several members of the local club are planning on going also. Again than you for
setting the stage, for a lifetime of memories.
Glenn Kramel June 9 2005
Besides sending you my email address, I wanted to
again express my sincere appreciation for your tutelage this week. I've been
fishing since I was five years old and picked up a fly rod twenty years ago.
While I've always managed to catch something, it was all based on instinct and
intuition. Maybe a few helpful hints on black bass from the local radio
personality. After two days in your charge I understand how to read the
water, determine what the fish are most likely feeding upon and where. And if
I can keep my backcast under control, how to cast 40 feet accurately.
Even more I enjoyed your company , perspective and wit! We share a common
bond in service to our countries and concern for nature.
Mel Carpenter June 13 2005
I participated last weekend in the two-day
Orvis fly fishing school led by Keith Oxby at Dogwood Canyon Park near
Lampe, Missouri, and wanted to take an opportunity to provide more personal
feedback than the evaluation form permits.
The experience was A+. Dogwood Canyon is a
gorgeous, pristine locale and a perfect backdrop for Keith's well-balanced
class and his mentoring style. He is professional in every way, a generous
host with his time and skills, and a real mentor. I could not have chosen a
better instructor, and I doubt I could have had a better experience between
the instruction, facilities, weather, and fish. The curriculum was very
well balanced, I thought, between classroom discussion and field practice.
I truly appreciated the opportunity to "test
drive" several Orvis rods during the class. I don't live anywhere near an
Orvis store, and it's a rare opportunity to not only see but also handle
products that I admire in the catalog.
My wife and I stayed at the Big Cedar Lodge
and found it equally delightful . . . great place to overnight and relax,
and it's but a short drive to Dogwood Canyon. She wants to go back.
To complete the form, let me respond to the
following:
Which activity did I enjoy the most? Fly
casting with a mentor over my shoulder and a video camera running for
post-exercise critique.
How could these activities be improved upon?
I have no recommendation unless it's to extend the class by a half day for
more time on the streams.
How would I rate my improvement in fly
casting? About what I expected.
How would I rate the overall professionalism
of the staff? Above excellent. I have no recommendations here except to
encourage you to recognize Mr. Oxby for his efforts.
Thanks for offering the school, and many
thanks for giving me this opportunity to provide feedback on what was a
great experience.
Allen Boyd COL (Ret), USA May 10 2007