OK, this thread has me thrown for a loop. I don't know how to respond. ("Email me Pink Corky's phone number" was one thought. I'll send her the plane tix to Singapore, pronto.) But then again I once was in love with Hawk's college friend's date for a while . . . she didn't look like Pink Corky either.

Here's the straight shot: you can live a deliriously happy 'other life' if your woman doesn't fish, has no interest in fishing and doesn't want to be persuaded. I have been chained to Flipper (Wife's nickname: no kidding. Don't ask.) for 15 years. She hates fishing. I can't think of a worse day than taking her fishing, setting her up on the prime drift, getting her competent with the spinning rig and then hotfooting up or downstream only to hear "Honey! My line's all tangled!" or "I'm cold! I want to go back to the Lodge." ("Woman! Don't make me choose because you are gonna loose!" is my certain response.)

I lost a real honey of a girlfriend in college who had many, many admirable qualities but she faked wanting to fish. First fishing date with Beth was the last date. I tried to mix pleasure with pleasure and it backfired.

What you're looking for is someone who is genuinely fishing tolerant. (Yes, yes, ideally she'll also love fishing, but unless Steelheader69 is sharing that isn't likely, is it?) She has to know that men all have one or more obsessions. Yours is fishing, not crack or stealing cars or gambling. In short, you're not so bad (in her eyes). You make it clear that fishing is non-negotiable, and then never back down. It can work but she has to know the rules right at the outset.

Of course, hang out at the Biology Dept, the boat ramp and the tackle shop too but don't limit yourself to these spots as the competition is fierce and the pickin's likely to be slender. (Although if you have to meet a flyfisher gal, I'd recommend the Yellowstone area in July-Sept. though few of them will be in your age group.)

Good luck, and be certain to share your experiences with the Board.