That is me. And I’ve obviously caught a largemouth bass. Aside from those two facts there’s not a lot of certainty I have about this picture.
Why should that matter to me? Or, more pertinently for the reader, why should this photographic mystery matter to you?
I have a good reason why this all matters to both of us. But first, let me provide some background information: I have a small photo album with a wooden cover that sits on my dresser. It is there because it has always been there. For something like 15 years, this gift has wedged itself snugly in between a humidor, a Chicago Bears stein that holds loose change, and the spot reserved for my wallet. Inside are a number of fly-fishing photographs. There is a picture of my first trout, my first steelhead, and my first trip to the Appalachians. There is a picture of me being instructed in casting by the late Leon Chandler. There are also pictures, like the bass shot in question, that have lost their backstory.
15 years ago, I deemed it worthy for inclusion. Today? I’m not sure why.
There is a link to the rest of the post, Thousands of Words after the jump.
But before you do that, be sure to check out the two videos I’ve included in today’s post. One is a serious look at Tim Cammisa’s fly tying essentials. The other? Well, serious isn’t the word I’d use…
Watch the videos, and find a link to the article, below:
Head to “The Pursuit of Fish” on Trout & Feather to read my posts, including Thousands of Words.
I’m a sucker for “must have” videos and articles. While there is value for new tyers to see and hear what bench essentials they might need to pick up, it is always intriguing to get an insight into what others consider a “NEED” and why.
Tim is obviously having a lot of fun with YouTube shorts. I’m not brave enough to give it a try, but I respect that he’s willing to be a little goofy for the camera. I also appreciate that he’s not taking fishing too seriously.
Have any tying or fishing questions for Tim or me? Please leave a comment below.
Also be sure to visit Trout & Feather and subscribe to Tim’s newsletter.
Matt, here’s on for ya… by the late John Voelker… sums it all up nicely…
I fish because I love to;
Because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly.
Because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape.
Because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion.
Because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience.
Because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don’t want to waste the trip.
Because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters.
Because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness.
Because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there.
Because maybe one day I will catch a mermaid.
And, finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant – and not nearly so much fun.
Amen to all of that!!!
Thanks for sharing, Andrew.