In Memory of Steve Huddleston
(December 15, 1952 - May 7, 2007)
(Click an image above to view the pictures)
Hud in his own words
Message Board Profile - last edited circa 2005 by Hud
I am 52 years old and have been fishing for 50 years. My first name is Steve and Hud is a nickname, a shortening of my last name. I live in Hanford (about 30 miles south of Fresno). My first love was fishing streams with my dad. I got into fly fishing when I was in high school but only got to fly fish a few times a year. We made an annual trip to Yellowstone and got really spoiled.
I pursued a golfing career. Never could putt well enough and had no nerves. I took 4 years off from competition and bass fished tournaments. I still have my boat but got tired of the jet skiers and crowds. I have been back into fly fishing for about 5 years after a 20 year layoff. I love it.
I love the mountains, the solitude of being alone and the sound that only a river can make. A guitar around a campfire and maybe a "cold drink" or two. I practice catch and release.
By my last count, I have asked 1,231,873 questions about FF or tyin. Thanks to all that helped. I now are a Fly Fisherman.
. Until we meet...
Father and Son Bonding - June 15, 2000 by Hud
W hen I got in to work this AM, I caught up on all the postings. Re the "Bonding". Do it!! Take Carpy's advise on making it enjoyable.
My son is 17. I took him fishing when he was a little kid, usually bass fishing. We'd get up before the crack of dawn (not the crack of noon). He loved the novelty of getting up early and ridding in the truck. But... after we'd get there it was cold going across the water, the fishing was slow, fishing deep, boring. I was trying to get him introduced on my level. BIG MISTAKE. He lost interest.
Many years have past and I am trying again. He went through the skateboard, roller blade, BMX things and now is into his Bronco and girls. They grow up fast.
This past Sunday, I got out my old fly rod, his spinning rod and my fly rod and we went to the golf course. He caught a bunch of small bass. I let him use my good rod so that he could see the difference and what he had to look forward to.
Enjoy your time with your son. Fishing is a lifetime gift.
My point is that I did it at his level and now it is what he is talking about. The last 2 nights the first thing he said to me was, "did you get my license" and "did you order my fishing pole"?. He drove the golf cart to the spot. I had several rods so he could change and experience variety.
I wanted him to go fishing the Father's Day but he pretty much has other plans and I don't want to force him. But he is now really expressed an interest in fishing again. (I have never been to Truckee except to drive past on my way up north Bow hunting. Might go see if I can catch one over 12" a new record. Any suggestions?) I am ordering him a decent fly rod and reel, vest and whatever.
My dad took hundreds of hours out of his life to teach me to fish. I can never repay him for that. I wish he was here for me to take fishing today.
Enjoy your time with your son. Fishing is a lifetime gift.
Hud
The Kings - May 21, 2001 by Hud
T he water is higher than I have ever seen it. Friday I fished form 3:30 till around 6:00. 4 fish on, 1 to hand.
Saturday I hooked 15 fish and landed 5. Sunday I hooked 2 fish and landed 1 and Monday I only fished for a couple of hours and hooked 2 fish and lost them both.
Most would go into the fast ( and I do Mean fast) and they just tore off. Only broke one fish off. Didn't feel like I put too much pressure on them. Was using # 16 and #18 nymphs. Hare's ear, PT and Louie's Lucy (it ruled this trip) were the ticket.
Was two things I gotta share real quick.
A Grannom Caddis hatch like I had never ever seen. The rafters and Kiakers (however you spell it) were throwing water up in front of them or just covering their eyes. The smooth part of the water looked like a film of soot or something. You could hardly see the far bank. They were all over me. 5 or 6 of them could crawl on my dry for the ride. Never seen anything like it. Did not see ONE fish rise. It didn't take me long to got o emergers and did catch (I mean hook) a couple. Unbelievable.
I also met jims from the board. I sat and watched him throw streamers (mostly practicing for a demo class) with a 14' 8wt spey rod. That was equally unbelievable. He could throw that thing a mile and 1/2.
Nice guy too.
My favorite time there starts a 7:33 in the evening. The sun goes behind the mountain and I have just over an hour of light. I have washed up (that always feels so good after a day of fishing), got a fine cigar, a beverage of choice, sittin in a chair and either reading or just pondering. Alone with all the beauty and my thoughts.
Ducks flyin down the canyon, the last of the rafters are gone, the bugs are starting to leave, the crickets. Facing the west, the river turns from it's normal green to a silver gray with the reflections, the western clouds turn orange. It's a little early for the fire but I love the smell so I build a little one; mezmorising. Reflect on the day, never once thought about work cept when I told someone that I hadn't thought about work today, the first star, the smell of pines. Quiet time to appreciate what I am doing.
I realize that I don't know where I will end up in life and guess I should just enjoy the trip.
This sure helps.
Hud
Roll casts, even with 7 shot - no problem - September 6, 2006 by Hud
T he short story is:
Stanford is lookin at Creutzfeld-Jacob disease. I am supposed to go to SF to get that confirmed, Or better yet, un confirmend.
There is no cure.
I am doing OK, Sas is having a tough go of it but staying amazingly strong for me. Keep her in your prayers if you would.
Trying to prepare for the worse and stay positive about the "un confirming" seem like an oxymoron.
I learned more from ya'll and made some of the best friends I have from you outlaws (That term doesn't include you lovely ladies Sis).
Not sure how long I have but..
You haven't heard the last of me.
Thanks for everything.
Hud
Hud's Ride Into the Sky
(Filmed at the Spring 2007 Bash at Hereford Ranch, AKA "The Hud Bash")
Performed by:
Bill Ward (Vocals)
Greg Miller
Joe Gambucci
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