Red Brook is more than a stream to fish, it's a special unique waterway that holds one of New England's most beautiful native brook trout. I have been coming here for a lot of years. My wife and I find this place refreshing in both mind and soul. The 3-4 times a year we visit are truly highlights of our year...many times we've said you don't have to catch a fish here and you'll still be fulfilled.
This year we were given the pleasure to meet a few young men there. Geoff Klane and Justin Fleming. They hold the same feelings for these "salter" brook trout, and it shows. I have been fishing for trout, brook trout when I can. I have fished from Maine to Virginia and in all seasons of the year. I have been as ethical as anybody when it comes to angling. But I must say that this time I seemed to have done something not so good, at least by some people's standards. The impression I got was that I did not belong on the stream. I take this very deeply.
So with that said, this will perhaps be the last time I visit this beautiful area.
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| Jeanette Petrucci Photo |
"Farewell"
I hope not Alan. I know that any fishing has it's negative impacts, but if the world ignored these amazing fish they may very well not exist. Your blog, your photography, and the high regard that you hold for these fish is as much a force for good as any. I would not know of the existence of Red Brook were it not for you blog, and I'm sure many others learned about it the same way. The way you speak about native brook trout and their habitat goes a long way in increasing the awareness the angling community has for salter and landlocked brook trout and the fragility of their existence.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan you know me and you also know that I'm as careful about the way these fish are handled and where they are fished for.
as always...beautiful...
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa it certainly is.
You are a Red Brook aficionado. You knew exactly what you were doing by fishing over spawning trout. In fact, that female you show here is in spawning colors...the golden hew. The fish are stressed enough during spawning without being hooked, angled, photographed, and then sent back to spawn.
ReplyDeleteYou do good work bringing the plight of brook trout to the forefront. You talk the talk...please walk the walk.
Thank you.
“Even god doesn't propose to judge a man till his last days, why should you and I?”
Delete― Dale Carnegie
http://www.flyfisherman.com/featured/fishing-the-spawn/
First of all the trout was not spawning or near a redd when hooked. The fish was taken very close to tidewater. And if I say to do something I'll be first in line to follow what I say.
DeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteCurious what it was that you did. You seem to have such high standards and a real and passionate love for the environment. I just cannot understand what it would have been that would have offened anyone. was simply the photograpy?
Josh
My guess would be people don't like having their spot discussed on a popular fishing blog. That's unfortunate as most of the folks here would more likely be willing to help restoration efforts than to destroy what's there. People see increased fishing pressure as a bad thing. It is for catching but awareness can be a great thing.
DeleteI wouldn't let it get you down. If folks are getting to the point of making threats I'd let the authorities now as well as the Red Brook coalition or what have you. I doubt they want to lose an ally like Alan.
Jomi
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A few comments were made as to the fact that "I hope your not fishing the nursery"....as an ethical angler for 50 plus years I know where I should be and how to fish a particular stream.
Scott Tucker
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Scott, I don't think naming the stream was the issue, but rather the fact I was fishing where I should have not been, "a spawning area".
BRK TRT- I am not the anonymous that posted above- I am the anonymous that admires your new rods. You are the voice of the native brook trout in CT.- you are admired by many.When I fish a small stream, I often wonder "how would Brk Trt fish this pool etc". Keep doing what you do- we respect and admire your craft.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
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I appreciate your positive comment.
Broadly, I ditto RM's comments.
ReplyDeleteThere's an elitist "I know the correct way" attitude that can come over some in the world of fly fishing. At it's mildest, it's the dry only angler who actively disparages those who choose sub surface methods. But at it's worst, it's people who choose to attack for whatever reason they believe to be correct. Sort of mirrors political discussion today come to think of it.
Alan you clearly, are all in FOR the wild, native brook trout. If people have a difference of opinion with you, or if they acted in such a rude way to discuss said difference with you, THEY need to think about what they are doing. Because if there is a message that would benefit - REALLY benefit brookies, you would be all ears, of that I'm sure. And if their method of discussing things, in an attempt to change behavior of other people, is simply to upset people... they need to heavily review the approach which they are employing. A good message, given poorly, is not any better than a poor message!
So, I truly hope this was not your last visit to Red Brook. It's an amazing little stream.
Stay positive.
Will
Hibernation
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Will that attitude "I know what's best" for the brook trout, streams and whatever else applies should be directed at a "new comer" to our passion. And if you don't who you are dealing with then you should remain quiet until you do.
Thanks for the "staying positive" thought.
Wow Alan, I love comments by (the first Anonymous) people who have a burr up their ass and don't even know what they're talking about. You of all people are the most conservation minded, trout reproduction minded person I think in all blogdom. AND I'm sure there wasn't a redd anywhere near where you caught and released (in the proper fashion I might add) those Salters. It'll be a shame if you and Jeanette don't return to Red Brook. I hate when people attack one of our own. That's why I'm allergic to nuts, idiots, and stupid people. I'm sure you'll find many of our fellow bloggers feel the same.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Mark, it boils down to a comment that should not have been posted publicly, a private message would have taken care of it. That said thank you for your support.
You are an inspiration to a whole generation of anglers young and old. Your blog is outstanding, it inspires people to get out there an experience the wild in their own special way. God knows I'd tried to emulate you.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the concern is rather for the many who will attempt to follow in your foot steps that may not have the years of experience on the water to know where not to wade and which fish are obviously actively spawning.
Both these fellows are stand up individuals who care immensely for wild trout. Mr. Fleming extensively travels the northeast conducting wild trout surveys, working on Atlantic Salmon restoration projects and spends all his free time trying to protect the resource he cares so deeply about. I for one greatly appreciate everything he does. His selfless service serves as an inspiration, just in a different way that receives no fanfare.
When was the last time some of you gave up a weekend or 40 to do the same ?
B.Hardy
Anonymous
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Mr. Hardy if you knew what this was truly about you would know that I had no issues with either Justin or Geoff. Both of these young men are to be complimented on there ethics and the hard work done on there part. The issue was with a comment made on the SRBTC FB page. I think the person should have private messaged me first. The matter would have been resolved that way.
Great shots and beautiful fish.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph it's appreciated.
as always Alan you will get people with different opinions in all walks of life, something we all have to put up with, as far as I can see your doing nothing that any other fisherman does not do themselves as we all pass over spawning fish at some point, here in UK we have a big debate on the brown trout & Grayling spawning , as brown trout spawn in the winter here when the Grayling are in their prime & vs versa in the summer months. I very much doubt it will ever be resolved, You are an ambassador to the brook trout from what I have seen, keep up the good work and keep posting your lovely pictures and stories.
ReplyDeletebest regards
George.
George
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George I respect your look at this issue. It's always good to see an opinion from another area of this world. Thanks for your support.
Your more than welcome Alan, keep up the great work your doing :)
DeleteAlan, it is clearly evident through your photos and stories in your blog that your love of the Brook Trout is second to none. Your knowledge of their habits, habitat, and fly fishing for them is second to none. Don't let the comments or comment of those that are uninformed ruin your day. Keep On Keeping On!!I for one can attest to your vast experience and knowledge with regards to the Brook Trout and your willingness to share that knowledge both through your blog and on the stream!!! BTW the photos of the brook and brookies are beautiful!!! Thank you
ReplyDeleteTROUT1
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Pete you would think after 69 years on this earth I'd have a thick skin. For the most part I do but when a comment comes across that questions my doings when it comes to fishing ethics it cuts through.
Thanks for the support friend.
Brk Trt - I've been following your site for a few years, love the photos of fish and food. Please don't stop writing about and fishing the Red Brook. With out your blog I would have never known about it.
ReplyDeleteSide note:
Some of your photos I recognize and call my home water. I pretty sure we live in the same town (talking to the local fly shop gave me the hint), I lived there my whole life (54 yrs). Someday I hope to meet you on that the little brook.
Edge
Anonymous
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Edge, Red Brook is a beautiful stream with a very unique brook trout. I love the place as well as the inhabitants.
Neighbors, well that's nice to hear. And we may meet someday.
I am an avid brook trout fisherman , and have been for 50+ years . Fishing for brookies in the fall is some what controversial , but remains a personal decision where the season is open . If it was not for fly fisherman brook trout would be in far worse shape than they are now . They live in a fragile system , but with care can be fly fished for and live there full life . Fish on .
ReplyDeleteRing
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The issue is just as you say,personal. As long as one does not target fish on the redds or trample in the streams. And as you say anglers have played a big part in saving brook trout habitat.
Alan, it's very sad that many people lack common manners when using social media. Speaking face to face with a person, or as you said PM'ing the person with the issue should always be a matter of course. I first became aware of you on a fishing board that often lacked civility in a severe way. Your posts were always a model of integrity and helped the people who believed in manners not feel like outsiders on the internet. In the end, I know that you'll make a personal decision that feels right to you on whether to return or not, but I can't imagine not going back to a place that has trout as beautiful as the one in the second picture.
ReplyDelete-Chuck
Chuck Coronato
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Chuck I can respect some one not agreeing, but explain yourself by PM. The know the site you speak of. Someday perhaps I'll return to Red Brook, but for now I'll let it be.
Alan, it deeply concerns me that someone who does not know you or your dedication and love of brook trout,should think they have a right to say that you have, in their eyes, committed some sort sin and are not welcome on a particular stream. It is deeply wounding to have someone question your ethics when you know they do not warrant any such criticism. Extremely rude but some people are like that. Do not take it to heart. You and we all know your feelings towards brook trout and the places where they live.
ReplyDeleteReturn to Red Brook, you have every right to do so.
Take care,
Steve.
Well said, Steve Hynes. I echo your sentiments. Keep up the good work, Alan. Your blog site writing and photos are a treasure.
DeleteBest Regards, Sam Williams
Steve Hynes, and Sam Williams.
DeleteThanks you so much. Your support is so appreciated.
Well said and I am in agreement with you Steve, despite my short time to integrate this blog of Mr. Alan, which I learned a lot, I understand what is spoken here and Mr.Alan is a good person .. .keep it up.
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armand your thoughts mean so much to me.
I understand the workings of the inner mind of those who instruct others on the "right thing to do." However, I think you may benefit from having more faith in yourself and your followers that we know you're not going to do the wrong things while out fishing this time of year.
ReplyDeleteScolding people online in public when they haven't done anything wrong is like accusing someone of being guilty before being proven innocent. That's not fair and it's not the right way to go about things.
Reality is that you are an important figure when it comes to red brook. There's no doubt that the attention you have brought it and the SRBTC brings the kind of attention that leads to good conservation work, education and a better future.
I know the feeling you are feeling, it is difficult when something deeply troubling affects the way you feel about a pace you once loved... But to give that kind of power to an angry, jealous or just ill-mannered person would be a mistake, IMHO.
Either way, thanks for being an inspiration. It was actually your blog that first made me aware of Redds and how to spot them man years ago when I was still learning the details of small stream fishing for wild trout.
Klags
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Adam, that's a incredible post on your support. I truly appreciate it.