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 …
There is plenty of cynicism in the world. I’d say that a disproportionate amount of it rests among certain segments of the fly fishing community. Perhaps it is the outlet for all the frustration that comes from being outsmarted by fish. It is very irrational to be irritated by a trout. It’s only slightly less …
What are you thankful for? We ask that question a lot, especially towards the end of November. This is also a natural time to ask what in fly fishing you are thankful for. The heart of the season is wrapping up, and you have time to consider what you appreciate about the quarry and the …
Four years ago I set out to write about fly fishing. I did want to write about fish. You can’t really write about fly fishing without giving your two cents on how to hook a trout every now and again. It establishes credibility. It is also pretty simple. Even more than the fish themselves, I …
What would you say if you were told that you owed every fish you caught an apology? How about that you actually needed to find a fish, confess your sins, and atone for your angling? Recently a seminary (I use that term loosely) shared that they held a service where students prayed to plants. What …
In this 4th of July(ish) episode I get political. And in the vein of most politicians, I don’t say a whole lot. What I do, however, is hopefully get you thinking about a few topics that impact fly fishers and US citizens alike. Public lands and social media censorship have direct implications for those who …
