We’re living in a pretty sensitive day and age. So please know that I’m using the term “trash fish” in the most respectful and endearing way possible. (But fish can’t read, so I shouldn’t be too concerned about offending any of them.) Chances are, if you fish for some of the less desirable and non-traditional …
Tag: Conservation
Podcast Ep. 179: 3 Fly Fishing Lies
If something is said enough times for enough time, it just becomes assumed. But that shouldn’t be the case. On today’s podcast episode, I break down my opinion on three fly fishing lies. Notice, I said my opinion. You might think that the angling mistruths I’m addressing are fine and good. I’m willing to admit …
Podcast Ep. 178: The Brown Trout
Salmo trutta. It shouldn’t be here. But it is. And last time I checked, not many of us are up in arms about it. Today I talk briefly about brown trout. Where they come from, why they’re here, and why fly fishers are willing to give them the “non-native pass.” There is so much to …
Your Own State of Fly Fishing Address
If ever there was a trope in commentary, it is to riff on a State of the Union speech. Without fail, in the days immediately preceding and following the actual address and the resultant coverage you’ll see something wherever you may look. The State of Baseball. The State of the Church. The State of Knitting …
Fish For Change: Connecting Students on the Flats
“Connection, education, conservation, and exploration.” That is the quick explanation given by Fish For Change’s Operations Director, Heather Harkavy, when asked what the program is all about. But there is a lot more to this fly fishing initiative created for high school and college students. “Basically, we’re all about introducing young anglers to others around …
The Sunapee Trout: A Char You’ll Never Catch
Sometime around the Civil War, smelt were introduced into a number of lakes in southern New Hampshire. This small forage fish proliferated in the cold, deep water. Native fish species, at least those higher up on the food chain, took advantage of the new food source. One small fish, a strain of Arctic char, truly …
Big Hunting Creek: Working on 100 Years of Conservation
One could argue that trout fishing has had a significant influence on the course of United States history. President Hoover chose Rapidan Camp, on the banks of the Rapidan River in Virginia, for his presidential retreat. Starting with President Eisenhower, the country’s Commander in Chief rested and conferenced at Camp David. This rustic camp, nestled …
Podcast Ep. 167: Current Affairs
Water moves. We all get that. But do we appreciate how and why it moves? Doing so has a significant impact on finding fish, making a proper presentation, and staying safe in the water. These three reasons alone should give you pause when you ask yourself if you can read water. In this podcast episode, …
Podcast Ep. 161: Is Invasive a Bad Word?
This week is a quick sprint through a sticky subject: which species deserve to live in any given area? In part, I’m responding to an article that questions the demonization of invasive species. Generally speaking, their point is a good one. However, some of the implications of the article are troublesome. As anglers, we have …
Costa Untangled: Good for You & the Oceans
Let me be clear: I’m not saying that you should but a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses because of what the frames are made of. I think you consider Costa Del Mar sunglasses because their glass lenses are, by far, the best money can buy. In my experience, they’re clearer and more durable than …