Jess and Allison Roskelley take their grandpas’ fishing gear on honeymoon
OUTLAST – The late Fenton Roskelley, Spokane newspaper outdoors writer for 45 years, would be floating higher than a freshly treated dry fly to learn that his rods, reels and other fly fishing gear were used last week – during his grandson’s honeymoon.
“Grandpa would be so proud,” said Allison (Spencer) Roskelley after her trip to the Yellowstone River. She was taking a postwedding break with her new husband, Jess Roskelley, the son of former Spokane County Commissioner and world-class climber John Roskelley.
Allison said she was referring to her own grandpa, Chuck, also an avid fisherman, as well as to “Ross,” as many of us knew the Spokane scribe and charter member of the Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club.
“We were using all of Fenton’s old gear,” Allison said.
Jess Roskelley’s closet is mostly full of climbing gear. His latest adventure, scaling Anapurna, was foiled by devastating quakes in Nepal.
I wanted to avoid prying too much, but I couldn’t help but ask Allison for more details about her honeymoon with Jess. She was quick with an answer that also would have made Ross proud:
“No specific hatches. Hoppers were working the best. It was so much fun – the Yellowstone is absolutely gorgeous. We were catching browns and a couple rainbows, too. I had never fly fished before. Definitely want to continue the sport. Our friend had a little fiberglass row boat that we were using. So much fun.”
Outdoor gear swap set for Saturday
OUTDEAL – A public gear swap for hunting, fishing and camping equipment is being organized for Saturday by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council.
The swap will be held 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the council headquarters, 6116 N. Market St. in Spokane.
Space is being provided to sellers to set up outdoors or indoors in 10x10-foot areas. Cost is $10-15.
A licensed federal firearms dealer will be on the premises during the swap to meet state and federal requirements and facilitate used gun sales.
To book space, call the council office, (509) 226-0187 or email: inwcgear@gmail.com.