Was a great guide season in general despite the drought, high water temps and busy rivers. Yesterday was the the last Wednesday with Pete day. Most of y’all know the deal with him but some don’t. About six years ago my buddy suffered a pretty bad stroke that left him more or less paralyzed on the left side of his body. No leg movement, no left arm movement. Hand at his side in a fist. Add to that chronic pain that has often kept him in the hospital or in bed by 3 most days. Makes fishing hard but we’ve managed to make it work over the years. Step one, keep the boat tight to his casting distance to ensure a good hook set. Step two, hit em hard and work to keep the boat tight for a minute. Step three, drop the oars and go up front to unclench his left hand and get it wrapped around the rod- makes right reeling hand available. Step four, reel that thing in and hope it stays hooked long enough to land in the net. Step four, CELEBRATE! Yesterday was tough. Windy, not a lot of fish eating but I kept reminding him that eventually this will work. “Stay positive, believe in it, visualize it, make em mad till they bite it.” Moral of the story, no matter what your dealing with, make adjustments and keep at it. Life ain’t easy but we’re human and if we can control the mind, we win. Cheers Pete. #strokesurvivor #chronicpain #therapy #flyfishing