Submitted by rscholfield on Tue, 2017-10-17 15:26 Conservation Outdoor Communicators Fly Tying Vote Up Down +2 + Flybox.jpg by Nathan Rees When I was 18, my father handed me a small package. He said, “This is a special gift that your Grandpa gave me when I was your age—now I want you to have it.” I quickly unwrapped the gift, revealing a wooden box. Inside the box were displayed unique, hand-tied, colorful flies. I looked up at my dad, and he explained, “This box belonged to your grandfather. He hand-made that wooden fly box nearly 60 years ago and hand-tied those flies himself.” I carefully examined each fly, admiring each one. I couldn’t wait to try out my new fishing flies at my favorite fishing spot. Fly-fishing has been a part of my family for three generations. My grandfather, my father and now myself are connected and bonded with fly-fishing. Every time I tie my own flies, I think of them and every time I plan a fly-fishing trip, I make sure that I bring my grandfather’s handmade wooden box. I feel honored to carry on my grandfather's and father’s passion for fishing on public lands and enjoying the serenity of nature. I’m grateful that I’m able to take part in defending public lands as an employee of Trout Unlimited, so that future generations may enjoy all the wonderful outdoor experiences that public lands offer, just as my grandfather and father did before me. One day, I will pass along my fly-fishing box to my child, starting with the words, “This is a special gift that your Grandpa gave me when I was your age—now I want you to have it.” Nathan Rees is Arizona/SW New Mexico coordinator for the Sportsmen’s Conservation Project.