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Mel Krieger Passes
I just got some very sad news that Mel Krieger has passed away after a battle with rare brain lymphoma. Mel was surely an icon in fly fishing, whose travels to South America and elsewhere really opened the horizons for many anglers (and certainly writers). At the same time, it was Mel, through his "Essence of Flycasting" book and the countless schools he taught, who showed many of us the tricks and tips we use every day on the water. In effect, Mel was instrumental on all fronts in opening the world of fly fishing to anglers of many generations, and that world is, no doubt, going to miss his presence. I had an opportunity to visit with Mel last year at the Hooked on a Cure event in Colorado, and he was as gracious and kind a person as ever I'd hoped to meet.
Deeter
Mel not only directly taught thousands of people to cast, he also taught others how to teach, thereby spreading his influence exponentially.
There's a real art to teaching, and Mel was truly gifted. I watched his videos, studied his techniques, and tried to emulate him whenever I helped people with their casting. I will always be grateful for what he passed on to me and others.
Posted by: Woodstock | October 07, 2008 at 01:14 PM
A sad day to be sure. I have several of his DVD's and am inspired by his ability to convey concepts. Though I never met him in person, I was impacted by his teaching, and his teaching of teachers.
Posted by: Labrat | October 07, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I still can`t believe it. Mel was surely a living angling legend!
I had the pleasure to meet him and his wife, at Futaleufu Lodge (Chile), about 10 or 12 years by. His memory will be in my heart forever.
Fish upstream, tight lines!
Posted by: jp | October 07, 2008 at 03:57 PM
My most cordial condolence to Fanny. Mel will remain always one by us.
In quiet mourning
Marco
Posted by: Marco | October 08, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Helped get me started. I learned a lot from his videos when I first got into flyfishing. Sleep well Mel!
Posted by: malcolm | October 13, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I was in Bariloche on Jan. 9, 2008
and recognized Mel as he was sitting
having a red wined at the airport with
Rhea Topping. I introduced myself. We
spoke for about an hour. He told me
to sell everything and move to
Patagonia. He must have taken ill
very shortly thereafter as he seemed
in good health on that day.
Posted by: Kortney Dunkle | November 18, 2008 at 02:56 PM