Senior Writer Paul Fersen with his son and daughter at Lobsterville Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, 1996.
Photo courtesy of Paul Ferson
Being a dad is an adventure.
I’m sure that’s what my dad thought that windy afternoon in the canoe many years ago, when I put a size 14 dry fly in his neck just shy of his jugular.
I was in the front of the boat when the wind shifted and then gusted, turning the canoe around just in time for me to “hook up” as I brought my back cast forward. He’s since been told by his doctor that his jugular is a bit peculiar in that it’s very close to the surface, and that it’s probably a good thing he didn’t play contact sports as a kid. It’s probably just as well he didn’t have that information that windy day in the canoe.
A quick trip to the doctor’s office and the fly was out. It’s where we learned the loop trick for taking out a hook. The fly was no worse for wear and was ready to fish another day. My dad too.
This story gets shared a lot in my family with a lot of laughs. We’ve all got dad stories and we want to hear yours!
From now until January 11, 2016 celebrate your dad or grandad by posting your favorite photos of them on Instagram with the tag #OrvisDad. If you are a dad, show us pics of you with your daughter or son.
If you don’t have an Instagram account that’s no problem. You can easily upload images and stories directly here:
We will select our favorites to be featured in our Men’s Catalog in June 2016 (right around Father’s Day!) and will also share some on our website along the way.
Also, when you share your photo with the tag #OrvisDad you’ll also be entered to win a $250 gift card.
Vice President of Merchandise Operations & Planning Frazier Blair with her dad on a trip this past summer to Montana.
Photo courtesy of Frazier Blair
What do we want to see? Fun photos! The wacky. The stuff of legend from yesteryear or the selfies of today. Of course, we’d still like to see a few that tug at the heart too. And don’t be shy. Add some text to your posts. We love a good story and would love to feature it along with the image.
It’s time to say ‘thanks dad’ for teaching us about the outdoors, for the great advice over the years and, of course, the undying patience.
The author with his dad at camp in Maine circa 1982.
Photo courtesy of Tucker Kimball
Again, the contest begins today November 12, 2015 at 12pm. EDT and runs through January 11, 2016 until 11:59p.m.EDT. (Official Rules here).
The sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the USA who are 18 or older. (We apologize to our readers in Canada and overseas; please trust us when we say that there are complex legal issues involved.)
CEO Perk Perkins with sons Simon and Charley in northern Florida circa 1995.
Photo courtesy of Simon Perkins
I never got to meet my father, but my grandpa introduced me to the grouse woods at an early age, and that turned out to be the one of the most important things in my life.
The very next season, the return trip was planned to cement the making of a yearly tradition. Excitedly, cabin reservations were made, and airline tickets were purchased. Boots and waders were readied, and flies were tied, but terrifying emergency triple bi-pass surgery foiled the adventure. Recovery complete, we will thankfully LIVE to go in 2016.