Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Rangeley Guide

My last blog opened a new aspect of my goal. I may have strayed by telling stories but all of these and more are just part of the land of fishing legends. I still want to share the current fishing general info, flies and patterns and the general knowledge of the Kennebago and Rangeley area but I think the stories add some of the color and style of gem of the western mountains of Maine. I realize I mentioned the Maine guide but neglected to explain what he/she is, yes we have lady guides also, what they do and how they became a legend of the Maine.
The Registered Maine Guide is known by most sportsmen and many names, but the first, the start of the legend is the Rangeley guide. These “mountain men” were the first guides. Showing “sports” from Boston, New York and other cities “from away”, what it was like to be a true outdoorsman. The spirits of Herbie Welch, "Flyrod" Crosby and Joe Stickney along with a host of others live on in the traditions and legends of the Rangeley Lakes guide.
Many years ago, my grandfather spent long hours introducing me to the various lakes, ponds and streams that abound the legendary Rangeley Lakes and Kennebago region of Maine. I learned to backpack on the smuggler's trail down along the Kennebago river, dip springtime smelts at Indian Rock, cast a Mickey Finn at the Rangeley footbridge and take careful aim at the Green farm on route 16. He took great pride in sharing his domain. It truly was his domain, for he was a guide, a Registered Maine Guide, a Rangeley Guide and a Kennebago guide, All different names for The Maine Guide. Showing the "sports" this land of fishing legends was his livelihood. He spent a lifetime perfecting his skill and took great pride in his work. Yet his most important achievement was not for the "sports" but that he taught me what it meant to be a Registered Maine guide, a Rangeley guide, what it stood for and above all the tradition for which he had selected me to uphold. Having taught my father and now me, he was following the legacy and tradition of his father. As a young guide, I developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to be a reputable guide. I can take my "sports", in search of the landlock salmon or a speckled “square tail” brook trout on the Rangeley lakes, find a trophy buck somewhere near the Nile Farm. or pole a canoe thru the waters on the Kennebago river. Hunting, fishing or canoeing, whatever a “sport” desires for an outdoor experience and excitement is my job description. I have shared this spirit of abilities, skills and techniques proudly for 25+ years at most of the “sporting” lodges in the area. I have never left a " sport " stranded or compromised the fish and game laws, my reputation as a guide is far too important to me to place it in jeopardy. I have never nor will I ever tarnish the image and reputation of the Maine Guide. I respect my guide's patch and wear it proudly.
There are four generations of guides in my family. We are proud of who and what we are, taking the legacy of the Rangeley Guide and our profession very seriously. I have hopes of continuing the tradition into the next generation by sharing my trade and love of the outdoors with my sons and grandsons. Only time will answer that question.
But my world is rapidly falling; the guide I was taught to be and have always honored is rapidly going the way of the dinosaur and the Edsel. Technology, computers and the fast paced culture are replacing the guide and his way of life. A Registered Maine guide has always been an honest, carefree yet fiercely independent sort who does his best to open the outdoors to the sportsmen of the world. His pride in a heritage in doing what comes natural to him and only wants to share it.
The Registered Maine guide has changed a little. They have become a true specialist in all aspects of outdoor lore. All of these "specialties" that have always been part of the traditional Maine guide are changing also. canoes have become kayaks , the GPS chased the compass and map into old age and the log cabin and tent has become an RV. Yet the "sports” still expect the old ways from a Rangeley Guide. The Rangeley guide’s heritage and ideals as a Maine guide has become trendy and modern. Our way of life, profession, the legend still lives on in myself and others like me who still carry the legend forward.
Hiring a guide can only enhance your experience in the Rangeley area. Let a true professional show you what generations of sportsmen have discovered. Sharing a campfire and the wood smoke or feeling the wind as a Rangeley boat floats thru the water, this is a profession of honor and dedication let them show you what the real Rangeley and Kennebago has to offer.
Now you know a little history of the Rangeley area, its people and its fame, stop by and visit, you will enjoy its hospitality and adventures. And don’t forget the fishing, its great anytime. Joe

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