Charlie Meck: A Patriot and his Fly
Charlie Meck, ever the enthusiastic showman, was demonstrating tips and techniques for fishing his beloved Pennsylvania spring creeks to an attentive group of anglers. I stood in the audience, admiring the depth of his knowledge of these waters and the insects living in them. But the longer he spoke, the more aware I became of his compassion for his listeners; he truly wanted them to know, understand, and share his passion for fly fishing. Little did I know the role Charlie Meck’s empathy and concern would play in the lives of so many people over the next eight years.
The following year, in May 2002, Charlie hosted several members of the West Point Cadet Fly Fishing Club on Spruce Creek in Pennsylvania. The officer (Major Doug Matty) and cadets (Mike Adams and Ryan Zimmerman) were from the United States Military Academy and Charlie’s generosity was a tribute to their military service. It further provided a glimpse of Charlie’s own patriotism and his unfaltering support for a nation struck by terrorist attacks the previous September.
Two years later, in a tragedy far too familiar to soldiers in time of war, Mike Adams, now an Army Lieutenant was killed in Iraq. Once again, Charlie Meck stepped forward, dedicating his next book, Fishing Limestone Streams, to the young man that once shared his favorite trout stream. In his characteristic manner, Charlie avoided the limelight, wanting only to honor Mike’s sacrifice.
Last summer I called Charlie for permission to adopt his Patriot Fly pattern as a signature fly for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. His unequivocal “yes” was again typical of his strong support for the country and its armed forces. And with his approval, a vibrant and enduring trout fly joined the ranks of Project Healing Waters.
Why the Patriot Fly? The red, white, and blue of Charlie’s pattern capture the patriotic colors and mission of Project Healing Water Fly Fishing; emphasizing the honor, valor, and vigilance of American service members. And, being anglers to the core, we recognized the Patriot as a fine fly with a proven record of catching trout across the country.
Charlie tied his first Patriot Fly over 20 years ago and originally called his design the RB Coachman; RB signifying the “really blue” signature of the pattern. His fishing pattern Art Gusbar took one look at the fly and pronounced it the “Patriot” in recognition of its distinct colors. The two fished the fly with considerable success that day, and many more to follow. Two decades ago on a river in southwestern Pennsylvania, these two anglers kindled a dry fly legacy that has now become a symbol of healing and hope for hundreds of American veterans.
In the mysterious manner that binds so many lives in a common thread, Charlie Meck’s Patriot Fly now represents the present generation of American patriots. The sacrifices of these men and women are viewed by some as scars, wheelchairs, and prosthetic arms and legs. To Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, and Charlie Meck, their sacrifice is a remarkable expression of courage; a debt paid on behalf of a grateful nation.
On December 12, 2008, Project Health Waters Fly Fishing officially proclaimed the Patriot Fly as the symbol and signature of organizations’ mission. The Proclamation on the Patriot Fly can be viewed in its entirety here: Click to View Proclamation (.pdf format)
