Joel at Linda Mar fishing the creek and O'neill Forebay

Rip Joel, I'm going to miss all the fun times we had.  I will see you again.

Tight Lines,

JD

I remember the first day I met Joel, it was pre NCKA and kayak fishing was just starting to take off.  I had been surfing the web learning about kayak fishing sparked by my brother selling his whaler to a guy who mentioned this new sport. 

There was this one photo on the internet and it was a picture of a guy with a large stringer of fish on a kayak fishing at Lake Del Valle.  The name of the kayak was Trout Slayer and it was my inspiration(Joel had many kayak names).  I did not know this person but for some reason I kept referring to this photo in amazement at how cool the shot was.  I then purchased a p15 and was making my maiden voyage at stevens creek reservoir and right when I launched, Joel paddled by and said " Is that a Prowler 15?"  I said yes and he then said "follow me and lets catch some trout".  Little did he know that I knew who he was and was in awe just by having met Joel/Trout Slayer by chance.  We ended up fishing for about 3 hours, slaying trout and having a great time!



Ever since that chance encounter we were friends and had many, many great adventures all over the Bay Area.  NCKA was formed about 6 months later and as many have said Joel is our ambassadeur of this sport.  It hurts to know that such a kind and generous person may not be around, but he has set the example on how to be a great human being.   

As some of the fellow ncka member's have said, miracles do happen and I'm holding out for one!

John

Looks good, Def going to watch it.  Thanks for the heads up!

Good luck Bill, It will be good to be closer to your parents and you'll also have on call  baby sitters!

All the best

John

Great to hear your feeling better, Stay warm, drink plenty of fluids, and get better soon.

John

Hang in there Joel,  ready for some new adventures when your all better.

Remember this picture.