There’s a good way to talk about conservation. There are a lot of bad ways to talk about conservation. While it is a broad-brushed, stereotyping statement, there is some truth in the “cantankerous fly fisher” archetype. In this episode I encourage us to take a better approach. We’re not going to win people to our …
Some of the rivers that our grandfathers lauded as destination waters have declined in one way or another. The quantity or quality of the fish just isn’t there anymore. There are still fish present, and there is still good fishing to be had, but things have changed. And people don’t like change. But change shouldn’t …
Charity shouldn’t be compulsory, but you should be charitable. Financial contributions are often very helpful for nonprofits, but they’re not what they need the most. A lot of good is done through the Giving Tuesday initiative. And the organizations who benefit from a surge of giving certainly aren’t going to turn their nose up at …
This was probably my last New England brook trout of the season. The conditions were right on an unseasonably fall weekend and I got out after them. The water was warm and the fish were willing to play ball. I caught almost every one out of deep, slow water. I avoided riffles and runs – …
As unpredictable and difficult as 2020 has been, some organizations can’t afford to slow down. Conservation goups that support fisheries and wild places have kept at it the whole time. More importantly, fly fishing programs which support people have increased their efforts to come alongside those who need help the most. The Mayfly Project, an …
Two Empty Rivers When I moved to Massachusetts in 2010, state-published fishing guides were still promoting Atlantic salmon runs in the Merrimack River. Massachusetts and New Hampshire had infused money and fish into the river to encourage the return of these majestic animals. Initially I was excited. While every angler I talked to was aware …
“There was one 17 year-old boy. When we got there, he was off to the side and disinterested. The staff said that if he liked going out and going fly fishing, they’ll all follow.” Heather laughed, “and right then I made it my personal mission to get him on board!” Heather Sees currently serves as …
Greg repeated my question, before answering quickly and firmly. “Why fly fishing? I think that just learning to cast, there is satisfaction from that. Before they even catch a fish there is accomplishment. And that makes it special for these kids.” The kids that Greg Lunsford was referring to are the children who participate in …
Good writing doesn’t start with a list of caveats. But I’m more concerned with clarity than quality, so: I think that the Coronavirus pandemic is terrible. I appreciate that the pandemic has elicited a great diversity of experiences, reactions, and perspectives. With those disclaimers out of the way, I’ll get right to the point. COVID-19 …
The day after Christmas, the Orlando Sentinel published an opinion piece by Elizabeth Drayer. She is a lawyer and, as her byline states, a longtime environmental advocate. I haven’t read another word that Ms. Drayer has written outside of this article. To be clear: I appreciate her passion for protecting our natural resources. I believe …
