Interview with Bonefish Bjorn

And now, for something completely different.

Thanks for taking the time to sit down with yourself for this interview, and may I add, you are a very handsome man.

Why thank you. I figured I really couldn’t get out of it.

I read somewhere that someone referred to you as a saltwater expert.  What do you have to say about that?

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!  I just spit milk through my nose… you have to warn me when you are going to be funny.  Me?  An expert?  Hardly.

The truth is, I’m just profoundly interested.  I’m like a baseball reporter who never made it past Little League.  I’m in the early days of my bonefishing life and I’m on the steepish part of the learning curve.

I’m a pretty good trout angler, but the salt is a different game and that’s the appeal, really.

Well, if you are not an expert, why in the name of bacon do you have a blog?

First of all, don’t use the name of bacon in vain.  That’s just wrong.  Secondly, I started the blog because I wanted to read something like it, something with a really tight focus on bonefish, the fish that has kind of exploded in my mind, controlled my thoughts and ruined a hundred casual conversations.  Turns out not everyone is as interested in bonefish as I am.

Your (now Ex) wife isn’t as interested, that’s for sure.

True.

Most of your friends aren’t.

Yes, I know that.

I don’t think your daughter is as interested.

No, but I have time… a lot of time to work on that.  It is called brain washing and it is a respected part of the parenting handbook.

Has writing the blog been fun?

Ya know, almost totally. I have fun looking for content, talking to people, getting to know folks who share the passion I have, even if most of them outstrip me in experience 1,000:1. I’ve learned a lot.  I’ve made some friendships I wouldn’t have otherwise and I’ve gotten to indulge my obsession with bonefish.

Of course, there are not fun moments.  I’ve learned not to talk too much trash.  I’m still getting used to the fact that anyone reads this stuff, but it turns out if you write something less than flattering about, oh, let’s say a rod company, it is really easy for that rod company to contact you about it.  I’ve also learned of some places to avoid… and I’ve learned that some times, people will be a-holes just because they can be.

The good outweighs the bad about 100:1.

I’ve learned to care a little bit less about how many views I’m getting and just put out content that I’d want to read.

I’m assuming that blogging is an easy path to fame and fortune.

I did get a free pair of sunglasses and a reduced rate on a few things, but I don’t have adverts and I don’t sell anything… it does cost about $150 for site hosting.

There is no revenue stream. This isn’t what I do for work.  I’m a stay-at-home dad.

I’m not an industry insider. If there is a secret handshake, no one has shown me… is there a secret hand shake?

So… we won’t be buying one of those Loomis NRX Rods?

Not unless they knock $550 off the price tag, sorry.

Is there somewhere you’d really like to fish?

Yes.  Everywhere.  Remember, I’m not a well-traveled angler when it comes to the salt.  Now, I find myself wanting to fish with people I’m meeting as much as I want to fish locations… maybe more.  I’d love to fish with Butch Leone in Aitutaki, I’d love to fish with Joe in Florida, with Davin in Grand Caymen, with Chris in Culebra, with Andrew in South Andros… so many places to fish, so many folks to fish with, so little time and money!

Well, why don’t you go fish these places?

Man, you are not very self aware.  Remember, no revenue stream, stay-at-home dad in Silicon Valley… there isn’t the time to do it, nor the cash.  There may come a time when I get more than 1.5 trips a year, but it isn’t at this stage in my life.  I’m not hard core like that.  I have a life and responsibilities… ya know… I gots stuff to do.

Are you available for hire should some gear maker want to delve into the world of blogging and whatnot?

Totally, but that doesn’t seem to be the direction these guys are headed… save Orvis, who are running circles around the rest of the industry in that regard… I mostly agree with the Trout Underground on that one.

I heard you work really, really cheap.

Shhhhhhhhhhhh!

How is that dubbing loop going for those Tarpon Flies?

I don’t want to talk about it.

You have a trip to El Pescador in Belize set for November.  How excited are you about that trip?

Remember back in High School when you got that Chicago Bulls Starter Jacket… the one you were begging for?  Yeah?  Well, I’m more excited than that.

Remember after your first date with your wife when she agreed to break off a date she had with someone else later in the week to go out with you again?  Well, I’m not that excited… especially if she ever reads this.

Your  friend Shane is going on this trip.  What do you think the odds are that he’ll out fish you?

There are no odds.  It is a certainty. He’s kind of an exceptional angler. In these circumstances I don’t like to keep score… just like I’m pretty sure the 49ers would like to not keep score these days… or Liverpool at the moment.

Well, that’s all I have for you.  It truly has been a pleasure.

The pleasure was all mine.