In 1998 Andy Roth made an employment change to follow his passion. He had been presented with a rare opportunity by Gordon Bentley to run what would eventually become Minnesotas finest fly fishing outfitters. This offer could not be refused. Together Andy and Gordon grew Bentleys Outfitters into the top 10% in the industry within 4 years. Outstanding customer service, coupled with classes, seminars and the finest fly fishing products the industry had to offer proved to be a successful combination. An avid fly angler and conservationist, Andy came to Bentleys as an accomplished fly tier, and teacher with a desire to learn the business side of fly fishing. After 10 years, he has made connections and developed relationships with an astounding number of manufacturers, guides, lodges, celebrities and most of all you, the fly fishing public. It is this combination of product knowledge, people knowledge and educational excellence that he brings to Gray Goat Fly Fishing. Andy is a reputable fly fishing source who is committed to the preservation of our dwindling wild places. This common thread, which binds many who participate in this incredibly rewarding lifestyle pastime is the foundation of this site. The information, education, and products that you will find here, will make your fly fishing experience better.
The link between the Gray Goat and Fly Fishing is complicated…….. but if you read on you will understand.
The original emergence date that was planned by my parents for me was to coincide with the day of my Fathers birth on January 9th. I was born on January 7th, two days ahead of schedule. Legend has it, (my Dad loves to tell this story) that while I was still in the womb I had duped my mother into believing it was time to go to the hospital, and then settled down again. This indecision on both of our parts allowed my Father to suggest a short stop at the local pub for a glass of wine enabling us clear our collective heads and decide how to calmly proceed. Welcome to Milwaukee! It is a little known fact that people of this region of the country are highly educated as to the medicinal and recreational uses of alcohol. Needless to say the wine did the trick and a few hours later I made my transition from water to air and into my mothers arms.
Being born on January 7th puts me under the zodiac sign of Capricorn. When asked, most of us know the astrological sign we were born under. This information, printed in many newspapers enables us to read the cute little paragraphs about our fortunes and futures while making it easy to pick our lucky numbers for tonights Powerball drawing. I have never put much stock in my horoscope or fortune cookies, or for that matter Bazooka Joe comics, but I still read them all occasionally and do a bit of dreaming. I think dreaming is healthy, it lets our mind wander and helps us be creative. The night sky has always fascinated me. The twinkling lights, vastness of space and the thought of infinity has a relaxing but provoking effect on me. Possibilities, what are the possibilities? I love to think about this question. As a scientist, I have learned not to discredit, that which no one can prove. Eventually it would be my Capricorn beginnings that would crack the door open and shed a little light on my path.
Capricorn, as explained in Astrology and Earthlore, is a hybrid critter. “An animal configured with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish.” One who rose from the water to teach wisdom to land dwelling man. Now isn’t that a coincidence! There are numerous different descriptions, all saying about the same thing. Also seems that Capricorns may have trouble with their knees. Guess who blew out his ACL(Anterior Cruciate Ligament) twice. I now blame my knee problems on being born a Capricorn rather than the ten years I spent playing Rugby, both locally and internationally. Remember, this information I have only recently uncovered and previously I was under the impression that the sign of Capricorn was just represented by a goat.
The story is just beginning!
