Fly Fishing and Afghanistan 

I went fly fishing for the first time in my life this weekend. According to my experienced guide, I made a common mistake that often separates the novices from the veterans. I took back a lesson from that Tennessee creek that applies to every war zone as well as to life’s peaceful endeavors.

Cast Away

As a first-timer, before I got in the creek, I got a quick lesson in basic casting techniques. Two methods in particular. Overhead and sidearm. Knowing how to cast sidearm is critical, I learned, because, when you’re in a stream, there are often tree branches hanging over your head. You’ve got to have a good sidearm cast or your line will get caught in the branches. Makes sense.

Apparently, I’m a natural caster. At least on shore, standing high on the bank above a big pond with nothing to get in my way.