From friends of Mike Byrne:
Just like that, one of the most beloved members of the Carolinas and Virginia kayak fishing community was called to heaven. He was considered a friend, mentor, and even a father or grandfather figure, Mike Byrne. We knew him as “Catawba Mike.”
Mike could be described as looking like “Santa Claus on vacation.” He was a big man with a big beard and a BIG laugh. His BIGGER heart, however, made the biggest impression. From behind the sweet smell of pipe tobacco, his greeting was often a simple, “hello young man” or “hello sir.” Mike was a friend to everyone. Always polite and personable, never snide or unencouraging; Catawba was friendly without fail–humble and selfless.
Mike was a staple at fiddler’s conventions, meet and greets, and river rodeos. He loved the camaraderie that music and fishing offered. While camping at events, he could be found tending the fire with a bottle of wine in hand, many times into the late evening hours. Sitting around the campfire he spoke of fishing and life. Mike also listened intently. He was a sponge eagerly soaking up new knowledge, surely to pass it along.
Mike was always helpful. Whether loading and unloading gear, shuttling others when he could not fish himself, passing up on a prime spot so that someone else could fish, or simply keeping a watchful eye on a newbie, Catawba Mike’s heart always shined. Mike’s heart especially shined when serving with the Catawba Riverkeeper. Devoted to the river he loved, he could always be found at Riverkeeper gatherings, serving however he could.
Catawba was not only a great man, but he was a great angler. He was not interested in self promotion. In a time when others decorated kayaks with the brands they represented, Mike simply stuck a Continental Tires (his employer) decal on the port bow of his Guide 119. Mike was simple in his lifestyle and his fishing style. Most times he could be seen with a jig and spinnerbait tied on.
Remembered most, however, is his nose hooked fluke which has become something of legend. Mike would say, “there is always one that will eat the fluke,” and he proved himself right continually. Mike was slow and methodical in his approach and was often rewarded with trophy fish. However, Mike was just as happy not catching fish as he was catching. Simply being on the river was enough.
A hole has been left in our kayak fishing community. We no longer hear Mike’s laugh. We no longer smell the sweet smell of pipe tobacco from around the bend. We no longer have our friend and mentor. What remains of Catawba Mike are our memories and a legacy that can live beyond any of our own years.
Mike Byrne’s legacy is one of sincere kindness, humility, and service. Catawba’s memory lives with our local kayak fishing community but his legacy can live beyond this community and our own lives. His values of kindness, humility, and service set him apart. But, those same values are what binds a community together. Let us live out Catawba Mike’s legacy within the greater kayak fishing community. Let our hearts shine as his did.
Let us all strive to be a little like Mike.
