Banquet lures local sportsmen

Jim Teeny, world famous in the fly fishing industry, knows how to lure fish to a fly as well as nearly anyone in the United States.

His cousin Scott, chairman of the Third Annual Sisters Sportsman Banquet, has a knack for putting together a program to attract sportsmen and women.

They lured a full-house crowd to the Sisters Community Church as 250 people enjoyed hunting and fishing exhibits and seminars and a hearty steak dinner.

When the doors opened at 4 p.m. visitors were greeted by a tremendous grizzly bear rug at the entrance to the assembly hall.

Before heading off to attend one of three special seminars, people got a chance to check out the exhibits lining the perimeter of the assembly hall, including taxidermists, elk call makers, Oregon Hunter's Association and merchants.

Mounted on the walls above the exhibitors were beautiful trophies of deer, elk, moose, trout, antelope, salmon, and coyote.

The seminars, held prior to dinner, included "Elk Calling," "Archery," and "Alaskan Adventures."

The guest speakers shared stories of successful outings, helpful tips and their love for the outdoors. Jim Teeny, who shared a few slides and some of his history in the industry during dinner as the keynote speaker, conducted the archery seminar, and admitted that despite owning 10 IGFA Fly Rod world records, his actual love is bow hunting.

"I have been bow hunting for 26 seasons," said the Gresham native, "and it is truly my number one passion."

To introduce his cousin during dinner Scott Teeny confessed to overhearing a conversation between Jim and Jim's father, Fred Teeny, while the three were driving back in 1971, when Scott was 11 years old and his cousin 19.

"You and uncle Fred thought I was asleep, but I heard you asking your father whether he thought you could make a career in the fly fishing business," he said. "You were at a crossroads."

Jim Teeny continued the story from there, relating how he spent hours making some beautiful flies and bringing them to show his father. His father replied, "They look beautiful, but why don't you make something ugly?"

Jim took the advice and the now world famous Teeny Nymph was born. In addition to flies, Teeny's company manufactures a variety of fly-fishing related gear, including polarized glasses, fly lines and wading shoes.

As Teeny drew to the conclusion of his slide show, he spoke proudly of his six grandchildren and expressed his desire to promote fishing and hunting among young people.

"It's all about these future generations," he said.