Be Thankful

Sid's positive attitude is contagious and her passion for steelhead fishing, colorful art, skiing, and dedication to her family is inspiring. Sid is the artist of a resent published book called Understanding Mont essori , which has nothing to do with fish but gave me a reason to ask her a few questions about fly-fishing anyway.

When did you land your first Steelhead? Sid: It was on the Deschutes about 1992 , the evening after I had given up steelheading. I was frustrated and tired of trying to get this illusive "thing." John Smeraglia took me out to a secret hole now known by Steve and him as Syd's hole and he knew that my fifth cast was going to be the one. And it was. I did land it which doesn't always happen with your first hook up.

What was the experiance like of landing that first fish. Sid: It was a thrill like no other. Hard to describe, but I did scream a few times and pee my pants. Being connected to a wild beast sends all their energy right to me and through me and then the respectful delightful fight is on. Actually landing the fish is a sort of solemn awesome thing too, because I get to see the beauty of the fish so close up and then let it go as carefully as possible when it is ready.

What inspires you to paint? Sid: I love color. Watercolor and pastel let me play with color and translate ideas and dreams to paper.


Words of inspiration. Sid: Be thankful.