Yay fishing!

Lately, I’ve been hearing from friends all over the world reaching out to give support regarding the recent updates, talk about the new rods and share their fishing reports for the new season. A few of you have stopped by the new shop to chat and pick up a rod on the way to the stream. I’ve said it before, I really do have the greatest customers. Y’all become friends and that’s an incredible thing! It’s an honor, to go along with each of you on your adventures. So, as friends do, I wanted to share my first fishing day of ‘22 with y’all as well.

Yesterday Stella and I went to my favorite top-secret local stream off the Blue Ridge Parkway. When the fishing is tough, it’s humbling and a little frustrating because it seems like there are no fish at all. But when it’s good, it’s memorable! It’s where I like to test out rod ideas, leaders, etc. and just fish. Yesterday I wasn’t testing anything out, I just wanted to be there and catch a fish and wander around in the woods on a beautiful early spring day. Sometimes I hear people say (myself included), ‘I just want to be out there in the water, it doesn’t matter if I catch anything or not’ - or something nice and poetic. That really is a wonderful attitude and one that I adopt, but not yesterday. Yes, I did want to experience the beauty and process of fly fishing in an incredible place but I also needed to catch a fish.

The fish were in their late winter patterns - hiding at the deep edges and in the deeper plunge pools but looking to the surface for food. They were definitely enjoying the extra water that recent rains brought. Only a few fish rose to my fly but they were scrappy and curious. One particularly colored up male rose slowly and studied my fly for the length of the short pocket pool. Then, right when he was opening his beautiful white mouth below my fly I yanked it away with the reflexes of a ninja. You’re not supposed to do that. Stella, ready for action, looked at me like “Yo, a little rusty, eh??” (if you’ve ever fished with us, you know the look) The one fish I managed to completely fool was a 7” brook trout. I could have walked back happy right then but I kept on until it was time to go.

A few words of caution, don’t forget your waterproof socks and wading boots the first time out in a long time. You might have to wear the old hiking boots you keep in the back of the car for those ‘just in case’ moments, because this might be one of them. Also, be cautious if you try to take a picture out of your sunroof while driving. It’s probably not a good idea.

Thanks for the support and friendship, everyone!

Take care and good fishing!

Chris