End of An Era

In 2005, I moved here with my family from Fort Collins, Colorado. At that time, we were living on 6th Street in Frederick. As
you can imagine, I was apprehensive about what kind of opportunities I would have with fly fishing for trout in this area. It was a long way from what I was used to in Colorado.

One of the first things I did when we got settled in was to look in the phone book (yes, you read that correctly!) for a flyfishing shop, hopefully one close by. I was very pleased to find Hunting Creek Outfitters just down the road from me. This is where I met Murray Friedman, the owner of Hunting Creek Outfitters. I probably spent about two hours in his shop chatting with him about trout fishing opportunities in the area. I appreciated the time that he gave me even though I was not spending much money. I think I left with only a book on Maryland trout fishing as I was pretty broke back then. Over the next 17 years, I would stop in to see him and his dog(s) every time I was downtown.

It was in one of the PVFF virtual meetings that I was saddened to hear that he was closing up shop. That week, and several
more afterward, I visited him. We chatted about his plans and about the years we have known each other. He helped me pick a new pair of waders that I will call “Pete Proof,” as I am very hard on my gear. They are a pair of Orvis Pro waders, and I couldn’t be more pleased.

On July 2nd after fishing with Mike Holland, I had the pleasure of helping Murray move the rest of his belongings out of the shop and to his house. We were fortunate to have the timing of the rain on our side and we, Maizey, and the belongings all stayed dry. Murray is out, the store is closed, and Murray and Maizey are on to a new chapter in their life. I am thankful for his friendship, the knowledge he generously shared with me, and his hospitality, which always made me feel welcome here over the years. Murray, thank you for supporting PVFF and the fly-fishing community here in Frederick for the past 21 years. Enjoy your time “off,” enjoy the time with your family and friends, and look forward to your new chapter. You have earned it!

By Pete Ring