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So, you want to write about fly fishing?
Writer Kirk Deeter taking notes on a layover in Prince Albert, Sask., Canada, en route to Lake Athabasca. Chris Hunt photo. “How in the heck did I ever end up here?” It’s a question I’ve asked myself many times over. Sipping icy Coca-Cola at a Bolivian army base with El Comandante, as my four Argentine and…
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Will more anglers bring more awareness to invasive species?
The COVID pandemic has led millions of Americans to connect with water—especially via fishing and boating—within the past two years. That can be great, as families discover (or rediscover) the healthy benefits of outdoor recreation. And with a bit of encouragement and support, hopefully we can dramatically grow the ranks of those who advocate for…
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What’s your vote for America’s ‘national fish?’
The author's choice? The smallmouth bass. USFWS photo. It’s a silly question, but it’s fun. And it’s Friday. If you were to vote for a national fish, what would it be? The brook trout currently holds the title of most revered freshwater “state fish” with nine states—including Michigan, Pennsylvani and New York—making it their choice.…
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Playing the numbers game isn’t a sustainable strategy
If we don’t at least talk about how anglers pressure fisheries, is habitat work just window dressing? Numbers. That’s the word that pops to mind when I see this image. I asked you all what you thought yesterday. Many said “bobber.” (OK. I think most of can agree that “strike indicator” is a bit over-cooked).…
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Why fly fishing is like pizza
Pizza is pizza, right? A little crust, a little sauce, some cheese… bada-bing! There you go. Not hardly! Perish that thought. Great pizza is an artform. It should be a perfect balance involving great crust, delicious sauce, golden cheese and fantastic toppings. If any of those four elements are deficient in any way… meh pizza! The operative word…
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Chill out and let others enjoy the river, too
I once observed a school of trout whacking away at PMDs have a canoe float right over them. How long do you think it took for them to turn back on?
I have to chuckle when I see anglers get so bent out of shape when a kayak floats by, or a dog takes a swim within barking distance of where they are fishing. I once watched a friend’s ears literally turn red every time a tuber drifted downstream. That’s silly for two reasons. First, we…
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Jumping the shark
I have many bad habits, for sure, but the one fly-fishing vice I cannot break is casting at mako sharks off the California coast with flies. It started nearly 20 years ago when I met Conway Bowman while writing the book Tideline. That led to a larger story for Field& Stream magazine (“Flyfishing Gone Mad”) a couple years later.…
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