RISON - Professional bass fisherman Clay Dyer spoke to Cleveland County School District faculty Monday during a staff presentation. Dyer was born without any lower limbs, no arm on the left side and a partial arm on the right.
His physical limitations have not dampened his determination and positive spirit, which he demonstrated telling stories alongside his wife, Kim. He refuses to use special equipment, wanting to cast with one hand as others do with two. He casts by tucking the rod under his jaw and whipping it around with a quick left-to-right twist. He reels fish in while holding the end of the rod under his chin. He ties knots with his tongue and unhooks fish with his teeth.
He shared stories of how the staff can recognize signs in students and coworkers that someone may be going through hard times.