Trout Underground

As I've said before, I'm a guy who spends a lot of time seeking out information on things I like. Whether it be a hobby, a new found passion, or just trying to find a good deal on some camera gear - I like looking for things and gobbling up all the information I can about it. When I set out to learn how to fly fish and learn as much as I can about the sport - history, fly patterns, gear and gadgets, destinations and plenty of video action.  Viewed as an free education and a way to make sure the time I had to spend on the water, was done so trying to apply what I learned, as opposed to finding out what I didn't know and needed discover.  

One of the places that I found early was The Trout Underground and the musings of Tom Chandler.  As we're in our infancy, Tom's been at this game for about ten years.  His writing is outstanding and I've enjoyed the chance to follow along.  Best of luck to Tom on his next journey and his other blog; WriterUnderground.  It's been a pleasure following you.

Fly Films and Story Telling

Entertainment, humor, learning and education, or just straight up action - fly fishing films can provide a lot of different things, and just like your standard movie fair, there are good examples and bad examples.  

I own enough "fish porn" to host a small, weekend long, film festival.  I own anything from the Trout Bum series to a couple of seasons of "Seasons on the Fly".  Though they all feature fishing, some actually have a story to tell and they do it well.  Others really are just a mish mash of fish porn, foul mouthed antics and confusing plot lines.  

Stuart and I have had long talks about how to tell a good story and what's required.  It's been a fun recurring topic over beers, as we share different short videos and discuss what we like about each.  Stuart's background and day job are in film and photography, so he's got the talent and knowledge, and I enjoy listening to all the things he's learned in his years on the job.  Over a recent round an article came up that recently ran in Angling Trade.  

When I think of great stories a couple of videos come to mind.  Stuart and I both agree that one of the best is "Once in a Blue Moon", the story of a mouse year in New Zealand, or "A Backyard in Nowhere", a self proclaimed, fly fishing western, chasing massive northern pike.  These have a plot line, heroes, action, adversity, and still managed to get some epic fish shots.  Robert Thompson, RA Beattie, Austin Trayser, Todd Moen - these are some of the guys bringing up the next evolution of fishing videos.  More stories are being told and people are realizing it's not just about fish, fish and more fish.  You need the fish, but without the rest of the story, it really is just porn.  

A cult classic - Once in a Blue Moon, The Fly Fishing Adventure of a lifetime

 "A Backyard in Nowhere" is now available through our website and retailers across the world.  Go to www.flyfishingwestern.com for more info

Source: http://issuu.com/anglingtrade/docs/at-29-l...

Changing Up the Venue

With the previous two weekends up in Michigan ending without fish, I decided to stay local for the last of my free weekends.  I had things to do around the house and the DRiFT/ISA Early Show that I wanted to get to.  Plus, it didn't hurt to avoid burning the gas.  

With a quick look at the forecast and a call to the guys up at The Fly Fishers in Milwaukee, I hatched a plan to sneak out for a few hours.  As I was putting my phone down, digesting the report, it rang.  CJ had the same idea and we agreed to leave early Saturday and be on the river at sunrise.  It would be a cold day, but hopefully one with at least a couple of fish.  

We hit the river just after the sun came up, threw on our waders and headed down.  The Milwaukee is by no means a secret place and if you've fished it, I'm sure you know what I mean.  There's a ton of water to fish, but always a few other guys you'll be sharing it with.  Today would be no different as the first few holes we wanted were taken, and we bumped down to another spot I was hoping might hold some browns.  

As we slowly waded downstream we noticed some shadows moving and what looked like salmon kicked around as they took their last few breaths.  Just below them, a few browns rolling and feeding in a hole just downstream.  It seemed like we had found the gold at the end of the rainbow.  I had finally found some fish.  Now just to try to get one to eat.  

It was short lived as the first few casts moved the fish out of the hole and downstream in to some deeper water.  We continued to cast and move downstream, fishing the darkness protecting the weary browns.  Time seemed to slow.  With every cast that came up empty, I lost a bit more hope.  As CJ and I changed flies, indicator depths, anything we could, the little bit of fire I had burning for fall lake run fish seemed to fizzle out.  I hate to admit it, but the feeling of defeat is a painful one, but I just couldn't fight it.  

I don't hang my head, nor end the season in frustration.  This isn't the first fall that may end without hooking up, and I'm sure it won't be my last.  But getting to spend time with Jay, Nate and CJ was a blast.  Seeing two rivers that are so different, but beautiful in their own ways, can't be beat.  I don't take my fishing trips for granted.  I get out, but would love to spend even more time on the water.  When you can only spend a day or a weekend chasing these fish, I've learned you're really rolling the dice.  If things don't line up in that day or day and a half I can get away, it's tough on the psyche.  So I try to focus on the good times and good company and consider the fishing the upside.  I'm hoping it won't be the last time, but if it is, I'm not worried.  It'll only make me want it more over the Winter and ensure I get out again this Spring.  I may have struck out this fall, but who knows what's around the next bend.