Sparse: The Man Behind the Legend

[@canoerepairshop]

Thanks Ben. Only someone who has stood in the Beaverkill in April waiting for a hatch and wishing they had poured a thermos a coffee directly into their waders would understand the historical significance of SGH. 👍👍

[@guytrout7101]

Loved the story, so I went on Amazon and bought Sparse's book - Fishless Days and Angling Nights. So another book sold!

[@flyfishnewengland]

Glad to hear it!

[@guytrout7101]

And the book came in today so I need to finish the reading now and get to the new book.

[@angelokomis1604]

Absolutely beautiful interview. Never to be experienced again.

[@JLJameson]

Shortly after Sparse's death I read his Fishless Days, Angling Nights and, to say the least, it was inspiring. I had been a flyfisherman for 20 some years and had read almost everything I could find. I had somehow missed Spare Grey Hackle. I then had an opportunity to visit NYC for a continuing education seminar. I left a bit early and spent three days exploring Sparse's Catskills, fishing his streams, visiting his old haunts and meeting the people he had met. It was a near spiritual experience and one I won't forget. Thank you Sparse!

[@flyfishnewengland]

Such a great story. Thanks for sharing!

[@DrewnTiny]

Thank you for this video. He was my grandfather and I learned more about him from the video than my family told me. I share his initials but only his last name.

[@flyfishnewengland]

Wonderful to hear and thanks so much for commenting!

[@andershedin5557]

Thank you Hoagy B. for this interesting video. Greetings from Sweden!😊

[@davidhalesmith2491]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad your dad captured the legend. Love the cigar smoldering on the vest story!

[@flyfishnewengland]

Glad you enjoyed it David! And yes - that’s a great story!

[@petercollin5670]

This video was a terrific internet find. I learned about SGH from Ernie Schweibert's book way back when I was first learning about flyfishing for trout. I was immediately captivated by Sparse's stories once I got hold of a copy of FDAN. As a young man, I was so eager to accrue experiences and enmesh myself into the whole culture of fly fishing. And eventually I moved within a half day's drive of the Catskill streams that Sparse fished and wrote about. What a treat to learn more about the man's life and hear him speak!

[@flyfishnewengland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigwhitetaildreamsllc3965]

What a pleasure. I bought that first Crown edition of Fishless Days, Angling Nights and have treasured it since. How wonderful to have included Nick Lyons, but then no one would be more appropriate. I had read his account of the wager with Sparse, great to hear him tell the story. Made my day, thank you.

[@flyfishnewengland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dwetick1]

My favorite Angling writer... really a one man show.

[@feraltweed]

I’m glad you mentioned murder. That’s one of my favorite stories. I think about it at times I feel desperate and it gives me a little boost. Sparse was great

[@josztroutfishingdiary7350]

DBFFC forwarded this to us club members, it's a wonderful video! I didn't think a video of Sparse existed, many thanks, Mr. Carmichael!

[@flyfishnewengland]

Thank you!

[@barrycoveney]

That was wonderful Ben, thanks for sharing.

[@flyfishnewengland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@geraldg7420]

Most enjoyable. It remains, in my thoughts, largely as Sparse relates.

[@1ringa]

And, a Hoagy song!

[@guytrout7101]

Wow, I did not know of Sparse, now I need to find and buy one of his books. Thanks for doing the video on him.

[@flyfishnewengland]

amzn.to/39kUeV2 Here's a link to some of his books. I recommend Fishless Days, Angling Night as a starter. Enjoy!

[@iflysw1]

Thank you for sharing !

[@flyfishnewengland]

You bet!

[@rowhope]

This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing this one, Ben.

[@NewEnglandStreamers]

Nice work on this! Well done!

[@1ringa]

I wonder in what year this was filmed? I love it.

[@meesmanovereinder1076]

rip legend!!!