REMEMBERING DOC SKERLICK
by
DICK ALLEY
I first met Doc at the Westport Tackle Shop back in the early 60's and immediately liked the guy. At That time, he was working the security graveyard shift at Sherwood Island State Park. As the Park was gated and usually quiet at night, Doc usually managed to catch a cat-nap during his shift, which translated into more fishing time during the day.
In the 1970's, Nutmeg Chapter, Trout Unlimited was instrumental in re-designing the stretch of river off Ford Road, formerly known as the "FLY AREA". which was named honoring Doc at it's dedication. Unfortunately, whether by accident or vandalism, the sign was damaged. The plaque is still there. |
| Doc holding court at the Westport Tackle Shop |
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Doc Skerlick was always an entertaining guy. He sometimes murdered the King's English, but it never stopped him from giving his opinion on anything and everything related to fishing and conservation. He was well-read, attended any and all meetings in the State and usually expressed his thoughts at every one of them.
Doc with a nice catch of Boston mackerel at Burying Hill Beach back when the mackerel runs were an annual event.
Doc fished both fresh and salt water, kept a daily journal on each and every trip and kept and froze many of his fish. He would fish trout from the beginning of every season until Memorial Day and then switch to another species. He had a goal of a designated number of snapper blues every late summer and early fall, and would end up cooking them for one or more of the many organizations he belonged to. Doc belonged to the Westport Striped Bass Club, Westport Fish & Game, Newtown Fish & Game, Trout Unlimited and many more and seldom missed a meeting. He would drive up to Hartford on any conservation issue.
I'm told his nickname came from the days when he was a Trainer for football squads in one or more of the Naugatuck Valley high schools. Doc loved Country music and played a mean Harmonica. He traveled to many music festivals and was popular among other attendee's.
Doc was most of all a teacher. He loved teaching kids how to fish, especially those who ventured into the fly-fishing area which eventually bore his name. He tied flies and made lures and had displays of many of his creations which he was happy to show and talk about when ever anyone made a request.
It's been several years since Doc passed on. Towards the end, he was wary of driving after dark and I often drove him to this or that meeting. He smoked the foulest-smelling cigars available and I would always have to ride home with the windows open after dropping him off. Whenever I smell cigar smoke, even today, I think of Doc and miss his good-humored and valued opinions.
DWA
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