It was a special trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia this year. The dedication/memorial for Ray Plewacki Sr. took place there on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Ray was 93 when he died, not long after his final trip to the Margaree last year. We had been friends and fishing companions for 14 years. His stories were so compelling, I based the chapter, “92 and Growing” in my newest book, Wide and Deep, on Ray’s life.
Family and fishing friends gathered at Chance Pool on the Margaree River, Ray’s favorite pool to fish. His son, Ray Plewacki Jr. affixed a special plaque to the bench, one that commemorates Ray’s contribution to that very special fishing community.
The morning of the dedication, I had some time on the river. Ray’s presence was everywhere, so much so that I looked over my shoulder several times to check. As I fished and reflected on Ray, and on our time together, my fly line suddenly went taught. I instinctively came up sharply with the 10′ 8″, 8 weight switch rod made by Ray and hooked the largest salmon of my 15 years on the Margaree. About 20 minutes later, I was able to tail the fish and get one quick photo before releasing it. It’s estimated weight was 25 lbs. I was therefore able to tell the story and show the picture at Ray’s dedication. Ray, the heroic WWII aviator, who’s full military honors funeral I attended last spring at Arlington National Cemetery, was my wing man on this catch. I knew that from then on, I’d never be without him on the Margaree.
