Every year Tim and I fish the Mississippi River each spring, and every year we end up fishing with a guy named Doc. He's a retired dentist who has been fishing the river for as long as anyone can remember. Whenever we see him he's carrying a fly rod and a box full of flies.

Tim and I have run into some slow fishing over the years, but usually we discover what's working after watching Doc. Lately he doesn't even make us guess anymore. As soon as he sees us he tells us what the fish are biting.

Before daylight we make our way upriver in freezing temperatures, weaving around floating ice and sandbars. You really have to love fishing to be out there in weather like that.

As we approach the access each year we always wonder whether Doc beat us to our favorite spot. Somehow this eighty-year-old retired dentist usually gets there first. Then again, if seniority counts, maybe we were actually fishing in his spot all along.

This is where the big sunfish gather. In less than two hours we usually have a great start toward two limits. After several more hours our arms are tired long before we want to quit. It's simply one of those magical places at exactly the right time of year.

Doc was one of those fishermen everyone remembered long after the day was over.

I know someday Doc won't be waiting there anymore. But as long as the Mississippi keeps flowing and the fish keep making their spring run, the memories of those mornings with Doc will always be part of every trip.

"Doc" is what the Ultimate Sportsmen is all about.