To evolve, not in the sense of long time evolution as with time since it all began, but the evolution of a fly angler. Many an angler has evolved from the typical bait fisherman, one who loves to catch any fish that will take his bait, and hopes that the fish will be plenty and fill his bucket. Said angler then finds lures, these wonderful deceivers made of shinny steel, colored plastic and rubber. These tools enable him to catch many fish and also bigger fish. The progression continues and soon many of these anglers find fly fishing. A whole new world opens up. There are wonderful tools available to the fly angler and the way a finger nail clipper has evolved over the years, he will never catch up on what's new.
So now with the way of taking fish the fly angler still has that desire to catch the most and biggest fish. His end method has changed and catch and release is employed. The description I have written can apply to many, and I have been part of some of the above. Now going 20 plus years my love has been in the quest of wild trout and these seem to be found in small streams.
Out of these streams there will never be a monster taken unless you might consider a 10 inch fish a monster...I have though. The clarity of the water, the small rise forms seen as a brook trout surfaces to grab an insect, and the sound that you can only hear while fishing a small stream.
It's places like these where I have evolved to. This is where I most want to be. I can find pleasure in in these places that I can't find on other waters. My pleasure grows with the capture and release of a 5 inch brook trout, probably more so than I can describe.
How can ones day be any brighter.
Amen! It's like you have documented my fishing career.
ReplyDeleteChris "Kiwi" Kuhlow,
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There are lots of like that.
Beautiful description Alan. More and bigger of the "right" fish may attract many... But a wild fish, in it's habitat... Doesnt get much better! There is one stream I fish... Very rarely do I even get a tap/rise... But the environment that stream flows through is beyond compare. Fishing is more than catching fish, it's much more!
ReplyDeleteWill
Hibernation,
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Will you nailed it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe small brook trout with it's brilliant colors parallels any large rainbow or big brown. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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They are indeed beautiful creatures Bill.
Well Spoken!!!! Eloquent words my friend!!! So fitting!!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI,
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I appreciate that Pete.
loved it.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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Much appreciated Theresa.
Well put. That fish has no lack of color, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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We'll be seeing them like that soon.
Simply, beautiful and priceless. Peace is where you find it...........................
ReplyDeleteMel,
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So very true Mel.
24 days til spring! Thats what they tell me anyway..
ReplyDeleteRich60375,
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That's a good thing. Looked at some long range temps for the end of next week and saw a few near 50.
Funny how that evolution happens Alan, exactly as you describe it. At least for me.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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It was the same for most of us buddy.
Well said.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Appreciated Jim.
It's coming Alan! The smells, the sounds and the sights. Evolution!!!! Thanks for all of your blog posts!
ReplyDeleteBrookie61,
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Hey buddy nice to hear from you.
Can't wait.
You bring up an interesting subject Alan about the evolution of the fly fisherman but I contend that evolution can be interpreted in different ways.
ReplyDeleteYou and I both belong to a fishing forum that originates here in Maine and the amount of sarcasm and belittlement directed toward spin fishing or "worm dunkers' is astonishing. Clearly these fly fishermen have de-volved..not evolved.
I still carry a spinning rod and continue to enjoy getting back to my roots, fishing for bass or brookies with it. Why at times I absolutely love drifting in my boat with the motor shut down fishing with worm and a strike indicator..er..I mean bobber.
I also belong to a forum where most of the members are spinners and they overwhelmingly look at fliers as snobs and holier than thou types. Unfortunately this wide gap between fishing brothers won't be narrowing anytime soon. The way I look at it..the more people who get out and enjoy our sport with whatever technique they enjoy is absolutely essential for its long term health.
And to anyone who is interested..go fishing and have fun..
penbayman,
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Mike I do not really care how a man fishes, and what method he uses. I am concerned how a angler treats the resource. A fish hooked by a fly or a spinner a lure or bait. If careful consideration is shown the quarry, then fish the way you like. I fly fish because I like to.
Thank you Alan...It takes a village..geeze, I can't believe I just said that!
DeleteJust stumbled on your blog today and am reading the posts as fast as I can. Great pictures! Am thinking of buying a 1-wt. to test out these local stream. My 3-wt. is a 11' (mostly nymphing rod) and, the last time I took it to a small piece of water in Pittsburg, NH, it really got in the way. If I may ask, what rod do you use?
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled on your blog today and am reading the posts as fast as I can. Great pictures! Am thinking of buying a 1-wt. to test out these local stream. My 3-wt. is a 11' (mostly nymphing rod) and, the last time I took it to a small piece of water in Pittsburg, NH, it really got in the way. If I may ask, what rod do you use?
ReplyDeleteJo Tango,
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Read away Jo. I use rods from 5ft to 7ft for small streams. As far a weights go they run from 2 to 5.
Rods over 7ft can be a problem.