Traveling back to Montana, Phil and Phyllis arrive from back East. They’ve brought their teenage grandson along to fish the Gallatin River.
Staying at the Rainbow Ranch, they plan to fly fish right along the river, which runs adjacent to the property. The Ranch employs a fishing guide during the summer months. Bert knows all of the best spots to fish on the Gallatin, and he is always bragging about his fishing prowess. As he always reminds people, “experience counts.”
Complaining under his breath, Bert takes the trio of fishing pilgrims to the river. He always frowns upon city folks who come out to the Gallatin to fish. Mumbling under his breath, “All novices . . . they have no clue about fishing a river.”
Bert sets up Phil and his grandson, and they begin making tentative casts on to the river. Each has fished very little, and their inexperience offers a bit of amusement for Bert.
Meanwhile, Phyllis moves down the river a few paces from Bert. She shouts out to Bert, “I wonder who will catch the first fish?”
Bert replies, “A piece of ‘rainbow trout’ cake my dear!”
Bert begins to cast several times with little luck, not even a bite. He glances down the river bank at Phyllis, and reminds himself he has plenty of time to catch the “first” fish.
Phyllis spies a perfect hole in front of two rocks. She casts her first line perfectly into her chosen spot. Hmm, Bert didn’t even see her awesome cast because he is too busy with his own fishing.
Strike!
Phyllis’ line goes taut. She has a “granddaddy” rainbow trout hooked on her line.
Bert looks over at her with dismay. Phyllis laughs and continues reeling in her prize catch. Calling over to Bert, she shouts, “Experience counts, you know.”
As she lands a hefty, beautiful rainbow trout in the tall grass along the river bank, she tells Bert more of her story, “I fished these same waters years ago as a little girl. My daddy taught me well. I practically grew up on this river.”
Bert realizes he has been had. If he does catch a trout today, it will likely taste more like crow.
Big Sky Buckeye 
I love this story. I can see your memories coming to life through it. It’s funny how certain times and places can stir up the richest of tales. I loved Montana every time we traveled there. I can tell you do to.
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While I am not much of an outdoors person (never fished or hunted much), my memories from Montana and family do influence some of my writing. The idea for this story actually came from a fellow blogger who shared her own fishing trip. I took the idea and ran with it. Kathy, I always appreciate your perspective.
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Sorry for my late reply Kathy. I seemed to have missed your treasured thoughts. Indeed, I love my native state of Montana. It will always be home.
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This made me smile. Thanks, Richard! -C.D.
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Wonderful Carole! I am pleased you enjoyed this story.
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I miss Montana! Way to go, Phyllis. I’ve learned to never brag and I don’t like the taste of crow! 🤍
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Karla, I like your take on things. Yes, it pays to be humble, and trout always tastes better than crow.
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Thank you. I feel the same about your perspectives! Blessings to you both!
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I think there is something a bit fishy about this story! 🐠. Take care! 🌟
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A bit fishy! Yes Susan, you grasp this storyline quite well, and your sense of humor is well appreciated.
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Reading your memories is inspiring. Phyllis just “Sharked” Bert. I used to be a pool shark lol. What a wonderful story. You have a true gift. Blessings and honor, Christine C Sponsler
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Christine, I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for sharing the expression “sharked” with me. I was never too skillful around a pool table. You would have taken me to the cleaners. Blessings.
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experience counts, and so does knowing your customer!
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Well put by a business scholar! Knowing your customer is vital to the success of nearly every enterprise.
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it’s business 101…
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Makes me want to travel through the Midwest
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While I am not much of a fisherman, I enjoy returning to Montana. The Gallatin River and the Rainbow Ranch are real, and they are in a beautiful part of southwestern Montana on the way to Yellowstone National Park.
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Nice
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