No Fly Fishing on the First Date

Finding a fly fishing partner has eluded me. Since moving to Oregon, I've had a couple of short term relationships with fly fishers, but so far none as gone the distance. It's complicated, but either they no longer share my passion for the sport, or have moved away, or aren't available. I once tried placing an add on an online community bulletin board, but that only resulted in a woman who was looking for more than a fishing buddy. Truth be told, she lined up under the banner of "I always wanted to try fly fishing." Not interested.

I need a clone. Someone near my age and ability who enjoys getting into a float tube and onto a lake, or perhaps walking the banks of a small stream or friendly river. But the risks are great. I have fears too. I'm afraid of finding someone who isn't all that easy to be around, or who has bad habits, or plays food and alcohol fast and loose. Someone who talks too much, or is a slob, or isn't punctual or is essentially too needy.
I'm not perfect. Hardly, but I'm at the age when I refuse to lower my expectations for a partner who would accompany me in this sacred endeavor. I'm conscious of time and health and this is serious.
Sure my tongue is firmly in my cheek as I write this but these are real considerations nonetheless. It's somehow a whole lot easier to go alone and avoid unnecessary drama or time with someone I don't respect. It's a lot like dating. It can get lonely too. So I'm looking and trying to put myself out there again as summer nears. As I said to my neighbor, an older woman enjoying the independence that retirement brings, "No fly fishing on the first date." It's like that, you know.

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