Migrated south from Georgia in the 1970's. He and his brother Randy opened a beer distribution business in Dade County (my home). I ran into "Catfish" (then Sandy) at a 4th of July party.

Our wives decided that we should meet. Just what I needed... a redneck from Georgia who knew NOTHING about salt water! Social pressure forced me to take him fishing. I figured we had nothing in common and even less to talk about on the hour long drive down through the Everglades to Flamingo, at the bottom of the state.

I couldn't have been wronger (is that a word?). We had the same politics, music, brown likker and sense of humor. It took about three miles for us to bond in a way that has lasted for over thirty years.

From humble beginnings "Catfish" has become one of the very finest salt water fly fishers (any kind of fisher for that matter) that I've ever known. Additionally, a friend.

We've all got friends that would lend us a couple of thousand dollars. Sandy is the guy I'd call if I needed a kidney (I'm not sure I'd want his liver).

These days, "Catfish" and his wife Sue own and operate Florida Keys Outfitters and the Florida Keys Fly Fishing School (where I often teach) in Islamorada, Florida Keys  (305) 664 5423.