Angle on Angling

Welcome! I designed this website specifically for this trip. Since this is the first blog posting on the site it's probably appropriate to tell you where I’m coming from pertaining to my approach to fishing.

First, I’m a recently converted fly fishing guy and I have a lot to learn. Although I still spin fish, I’m spending most of my time casting my line instead of my lure.

Second, too many fly anglers are too serious. I’m a down home kind of fly angler. I don’t have the time or patience to spend hours debating the merits of a wooden handled fishing net vs. an aluminum handled fishing net, or whatever. Other people enjoy doing that, it's just not for me.

Third, when I walk into a fly fishing store I always look for the clearance shelf first. I’m happy to wear a t-shirt under my vest. I don’t think I fish any better if I’m wearing a sunscreen-and-insect-repellant-injected fishing shirt with a fancy logo on the pocket.

Fourth, I appreciate other forms of fishing and will happily share a stretch of water with a spin angler.

Fifth, I like fly fishing because I consider it to be the most “organic” form of fishing. I like to crush the barbs on my hooks and I like to release the fish I catch. However, I am not a “catch-and-release Nazi”; I often keep some fish to eat and I understand why some anglers keep all the fish they catch.

My first fly rod was made of split bamboo. I made it myself starting with an 8-foot culm of bamboo. I like the idea of using a bamboo rod because it seems more organic than a graphite rod. I’m not a “bamboo Nazi” either – I also have a graphite rod.

Sixth, Henry David Thoreau once wrote “Many men go fishing all their lives never knowing it's not the fish that really matters.” I get it. Catching a fish is the “frosting”, experiencing the process is the “cake”.

I hope that what I write provokes you. It can provoke you in a motivational way (Wow! I can use that information!); or it can provoke you in a challenging way (What is that moron talking about!?) Most of all I hope it provokes you to join me on one of my Sierra Club trips.

Please be sure to let me know if you were motivated, or challenged, or want to join my trip, by posting your comments.

Tom, out.