Bill got to the bottom of the run after making several casts and had not caught a fish. He told Charlie that there must not be any fish, or they just were not hungry.Ĭharlie had been watching him fish the run the entire time and immediately saw something was wrong. Bill made casts and let his fly drift down then retrieve it, take a few more steps downstream and repeat the process. Charlie instructed Bill to start at the top of a run and work his way down. They met on Penn’s Creek and found a beautiful stretch. Charlie knew Bill did not know how to fish wet flies and helped him on this trip. He and Bill arranged to meet on the famous Penn’s Creek for a day of fishing. Ernie and Bill would often meet these customers on a local stream or be invited to their homes or a lodge for a fishing venture. The rod making business exploded through the years to the point that Bill was building 4 + rods a day and he had to hire a full-time rod maker after taking ownership of the business so that he could concentrate on other areas.Įrnie was a dry fly fisherman and that is what Bill learned and became quite proficient at it. Ernie taught Bill how to tie flies, build rods, and manage the day-to-day business. Hille Anglers Supply house and sold everything a do it yourselfer could want.Įrnie was introducing Bill to all his friends and customers, and he was learning everything there was about the business. Bill’s influence on the business could be seen immediately as he encouraged Ernie to sell to all anglers and not just fly fisherman. Upon honorable discharge from the navy in 1954, he immediately went to work full time for E. He and Doris got married in December of that year and saw each other when leave would allow Bill to travel home. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1951 and left for the Navy 3 days later. Prior to meeting Doris, Bill was a bait fisherman and now he was being exposed to fly fishing and fly tying. He started to work part time for E Hille 1948 filling orders, running errands, and learning all he could about this new and exciting hobby. Hille and he, nor Doris, could never have imagined how her parents would change the course and path of his life. Bill was later introduced her parents, Hilda and Ernie Hille who owned E. They immediately hit it off and began dating. While in junior high school in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he met an older girl named Doris Hille. He has touched thousands upon thousands of lives over the years and even though he has slowed down considerably, he is only a phone call away to ask for help or guidance. I would like to introduce you to one such man, Bill O’Connor. Bill O’Connor with the Certificate of Appreciation he received from the Chapter.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |