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Preston Griffin1983
New Brunswick, Canada
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Preston Griff-InnsOutfitters
The name Griffin has been well known and associated with hunting and fishing on the Miramichi for nearly a century. William I. Griffin became involved in guiding at the tender age of 15. At the turn of century, salmon fishing gained popularity and "Bill" Griffin foresaw the potential in expanding his outfitting business in that direction. Initially he organized fishing parties that traveled by train to Juniper and from there sailing the river to Boiestown. The need for a home base was recognized and in partnership with his son Preston the "Griff-Inns' were established in Boiestown in 1929. The Griff-Inns became the startling point for salmon fishing parties angling for the famed Atlantic Salmon.
Bill Griffin was a staunch supporter of the New Brunswick Guides Assoc. and an ardent conservationist with a deep respect for nature. He did much to promote the fame of the area and indeed the whole province as a sportsmen's paradise.
Preston Griffin was also initiated early in the art of guiding by his father. The Outfitting business was sold in 1948 and in 1954 Preston became the first manager of the newly formed Miramichi Salmon Assoc. He continued in this position for 27 years until his retirement in 1981.
1983
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Everett Lyons1983
Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada
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Everett Lyons1882-1958
Angler
Everett caught his first "bright" salmon while fishing for trout above the railroad bridge at Doaktown. He was using a handmade spinner which consisted of a flattened penny attached to a fish hook by fine wire. His rod was handmade by a local artisan as were all rods of the day. It was probably the first salmon to be caught by angling in this area. During Everett's early days of salmon fishing he used trout flies. These were later replaced by salmon flies such as the Silver Doctor & Black Dose.
Everett became very fond of salmon fishing and was a familiar figure on the Miramichi for many years. He enjoyed both spring and summer fishing and most of his leisure time was spent on the river "trying his luck" at catching an Atlantic Salmon. It was not uncommon for him to lie down at night and sleep beside a favorite pool in order to be there to start fishing at daybreak.
1983
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Wilson Ruessell1983
New Brunswick, Canada
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Wilson "Bing" Russell1903-1974
Guide
Wilson "Bing" Russell was one of the very few men who relied solely on his guiding profession as means of employment. By the time he was twenty-seven years old he had gained sufficient knowledge through his interest in salmon fishing to qualify as a full time guide.
In addition to the obvious duties of handling a canoe, cooking meals, looking after equipment etc., a guides responsibilities also consisted of getting his "Sport" to the most likely spot a fish could be caught and also imparting to the fisherman the benefit of his experience. At all of these duties Bing excelled.
From the time he was hired in 1930 as a full time guide Bing and his "Sport" could be seen every day of the season regardless of water temperature, weather or the amount of salmon there seemed to be in the river. He was a "real guide" in every sense of the word.
1983
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Wallace W. Doak1983
Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada
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Wallace W. Doak1913-1979
Fly-Tyer
Wallace developed the art of tying flies after he acquired his skill from observing others and researching his craft in general books on the subject. He later developed this as a professional tyer, Wallace averaged a production level of over five thousand flies per year, as evidenced by his detailed records. It is estimated that nearly ¼ of a million flies were tyed by him. His fishing tackle shop in Doaktown was built in 1947.
While his retail business was developing, Wallace wholesaled his flies to more established merchants. During this time he was also employed as lumberman, mill worker and fishing guide until the increasing demands of his expanding business began to monopolize his time.
Approaching his art in a practical manner, Wallace resisted the temptation to develop new flies, choosing instead to produce neat and durable versions of established patterns. He became well respected Nationally and Internationally because of the quality of his product.
1983
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Charles P. Wade1984
Penniac, New Brunswick, Canada
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Charles P. Wade1901-1981
Charles P. Wade, Penniac, New Brunswick began his guiding career with his uncle, outfitter Harry Allen in the early 1920's. They fished the Allen lease on the Cains River for salmon and trout, tenting along the way on 7 to 10 day trips. Rocky Brook was another of their areas for salmon parties.
On the death of his uncle in 1933, Charles Wade went into the outfitting business for himself. He built Wade's Fishing Lodge just below the mouth of Cains on a 12 acre site. From there he went on to become one of the Province's best known outfitters entertaining many celebrities such as: Thorton W. Burgess, General Jimmie Doolittle, Admiral Gilette, Royality, also actors and sports heroes. As a founding member of the Miramichi Salmon Association in which he served as a Director and Secretary- Treasurer for a number of years, he spread the word of Atlantic Salmon conservation far and wide, and at the same time, made the famed Miramichi better known to countless hundreds of sports.
1984
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Ira Gruber1984
New Brunswick, Canada
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Ira Gruber1882-1962
Angler
Ira Gruber was one of the earliest fly fishermen on the Miramichi River. His retired status enabled him to spend long hours during all kinds of weather on this river. His devotion to angling instilled a desire to discover a method by which salmon would take a fly during periods of low water, when angling normally ceased. Learning the art of tying flies from Everett Price, Ira painstakingly developed his own detailed feather wing flies. His creations were effective and enabled fish to be taken in all water temperatures or any type of weather. "He was responsible for developing the Miramichi type of salmon fly with its short cigar shaped body and short wing which hugged the body." Ira's most popular flies were the Oriole, Reliable, Green Drake and Hermit. Joseph Bates Jr. states in his book Atlantic Salmon Flies and Fishing "Ira Gruber made a lasting mark on North America salmon fishing."
1984
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Maxwell O. Gillespie1984
New Brunswick, Canada
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Maxwell O. Gillespie(1908 - )
Guide
Maxwell "Max" Gillespie learned the art of angling at an early age, but did not begin to guide until he was twenty-seven. For the next forty-eight years, Max studied salmon at close range, going so far as to wear sneakers so as not to disturb the fish and donning old wigs to disguise himself. His special fishing techniques, keen eye and sense of humor have made him extremely popular with such famous fishermen as Charles and Vivian Kerlee, Benny Goodman, Mead Shaeffer, William Heaslip, Leslie Gill, Dewy Babcock, Everett Garrison to name a few. Gillespie is a natural with his sharp wit and outgoing personality - described by one of his longtime regulars Frances McLaughlin, Gill is an entrepreneur and true son of the Miramichi.
Max Gillespie is a dedicated conservationist who continuously gives suggestions on how the Atlantic Salmon should be protected.
1984
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