Fran Betters Update

[Apache Trout]

Just wanted to let you all know Fran isn't doing well health wise. I ordered one of his rods back in Jan. and am waiting for it to arrive. Should be here soon. He posted this update on his website. Please do what you can to help him. Also, let anyone you know interested in fly fishing that his business is for sale. Lastly, keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
From Fran's site:

"I AM ASKING FOR HELP

It is simply time to be very straight forward. I am in difficulty. Too many things happened at the same time. Number One: I was FORCED to move my business and decided since I HAD to, I would do it the correct way which took everything I had. Number 2: I came down with congestive heart failure which is now in its end stages and Number 3, the economy decided to tank all at the same time. How about that for a bit of luck? I cannot QUIT until I find a buyer for my business of forty seven years. I have to try and survive somehow.

So I am asking for some help. If you have been considering buying one of my rods, please do so now. It could possibly be one of the last ones made. I know my days are numbered. Or one of the framed collectibles with a dozen of the flies I created, let me make one for you now. I could definitely use the business.

Some of you say I am a legend but I have always considered myself just one of you all. I never sought the limelight nor took advantage of many opportunities I had over my forty seven years of business. Money never really motivated me. Big money at least. Perhaps I made a mistake. The place I find myself in right now seems to indicate that. So what I would like to ask of you all is this. I know my days are very limited and I MUST find a buyer so would everyone please network and if you know of anyone who would be interested in being my successor, please send them my way. I want to meet them before I pass on. The price is very low and the deal is absolutely turnkey. It is listed with a wonderful agent in Lake Placid, Margie Philo who is Adirondack Premiere Properties. Here is a link to see the information. http://www.adkpp.com/?page_id=112

Thank you everyone in advance for any help you can give. Fran"

[Z Fisher]

Yeah, it's a pretty sad story. The shop he has now is ideal for a new owner. Great location. Very well done. A couple of tenants including a restaurant. If only the economy was better (and my wife would move to upstate NY) it would be a deal to consider.

[waterworker]

I talked to a women at the shop yesterday(his wife I think)I asked about 5 dozen flies I ordered last April.I had talked to Fran before about them and he told me about his health.I just figured ,well when I get them, I get them,or not.So when I saw your post the other day I decided to call just to be sure my order wasn't lost.She apologized and said she put me a top the list and they would be on the way soon.(she found the order).We talked about Fran and the shop(very nice lady)and she did say they had three people looking at it now.She told me they are saying their prayers and I assured her I would do the same for them.Fran was the speaker at the Two Fly last year and I'm really glad I got to hear him.He told some amazing story's and gave a lot of fantastic advice.A true legend!

[Z Fisher]

I've got a box of 16 flies that Fran tied. All his classics -- Haystack, Ausable Bomber, Mini Muddler, Beadhead Caddis, Ausable Caddis, Stonefly, etc.

Very buggy, bushy flies. I'll try and post a picture later.

[Apache Trout]

Thanks guys for all the nice thoughts on Fran.
Waterworker, that's how I feel about the rod I ordered, if I get it great if not I'm not going to worry about it.
I told him to take his time.
Very sad situation.

[machocheese]

This saddens me very much. I went to Paul Smiths College, in the Adirondacks right down the road from the Ausable. The summer before my senior year I worked as a stream surveyor for the Boquet and Ausable river associations.

One of our access points was Fran's home on the lower west branch and while there on day, he came out to say hello. I hinted around that I would love to fish that stretch of the river and he kindly offered me the option to park at his home if I wanted to fish. I went back a few evenings later and as I was rigging up, he came out and followed me down to the water. He had a telephone pole with a big street lamp behind his house over the river, which naturally attracted all the bugs. I caught a couple of browns and got a couple of really valuable insights into the river that I have kept with me ever since.

I hope the best for him and his family,
Matt