Troutrageous unleashed a major comment firestorm by laying out some of the sacred cows of fly fishing that he thinks need to end… things like PBR, carp and go-pro’s. Now, I don’t agree with the whole list, but the PBR thing was kind of funny.
Got me thinking… there are some sacred cows that maybe should remain sacred, because they are kind of awesome.
Here are a few:
This is Fly. Yeah… some really interesting stories in a really interesting format. It might be promoted by everyone each time it comes out, but there is usually something I really dig in each issue. The photographs are great, but the writing is excellent and it is often from folks you’ve probably not heard of before. Keep it going TIF.
The Fly Fishing Film Tour. I say this without having even been to one yet. I just love what I’ve seen come out of the festival. I mean… come on. THIS is awesome.
Yvon Chouinard. The founder of Patagonia, Yvon seems one step away from going native. He’s a master of sustainability and he preaches conservation both because it is the right thing to do and because it is good business. I might not always buy Patagonia, but I respect the beejuzus out of that guy.
Joan Wulff. Say something bad about Joan. Go ahead… try it. She’s badass.
http://youtu.be/peQIVe5vJio
A River Runs Through It. Man, people act like this book nearly destroyed all that is sacred because people read it (or saw the movie) and wanted to get into it to have their own Brad Pitt moment. Don’t hate. It is an awesome book. Beautifully written. The story was powerful and it spoke to people.
What else do you think should remain sacred?
Lefty
I’ve gotta go with Patagonia as one of the best clothing lines for any outdoor adventure. They last.
Over 60K donated by Patagonia to Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, ask that of your other brands.
I know Patagonia gives a lot and Yvon gives his own money on top of that, I’m sure. The guy isn’t planning on taking his money with him when he leaves.
The writings of Roderick Haig-Brown. If you can’t get out fishing, curling up with one of his wonderful books is the next best thing!
I am not “3d3vart” but I think we might be related. What he said.
Hey 3d3vart, thanks for taking the time to write all that. Really appreciate your point of view.
For me, I love fly tying. I love sitting down at the vice and creating something. I’ll keep doing it as long as my fingers still work and my eyes can still see. It is contemplative and silent work and so different from most of my day.
Fishing in the salt doesn’t tend to be where you start and, as an industry, we certainly do need people to start in large numbers. So from that view, I can understand your point. For me, I still fish my rivers and I expect that is where most people are going to be fishing, the lakes and rivers. I love the salt. It is where my mind lives.
Bjorn,
As usual you were able to take a basically negative article and turn it into something positive… I don’t understand it, but I love it. Good on ya. You have (momentarily) prompted me to think positive myself. Lessee, sacred cows that should remain sacred? Hmmm…
Bonefish. Gotta say, the variety of behaviours these fish exhibit is pretty amazing. They can be as aggressive as spawning bass, or as frustrating as sunning carp. Either way you’ll keep casting till the sun goes down.
And, let’s not forget that the run of a bonefish is (I’ll say it again) pound for pound maybe the strongest there is in sport. Legit. Stronger than smallmouth, than carp, than steelhead, than tarpon (yes), than cudas. From what I’ve heard the golden trevally might come close, but the average human has even less access to them so we’re into the realm of the fanciful and obscure with that.
Thanks Davin.
I do so love the bonefish. They are one of the most significant finds of my life. I feel fortunate for all that fly fishing has given me and the countless ways it has enriched my life.
[…] Fly fishers love to talk and tell stories, it’s well known; and to debate too, as often we’re of the opinionated sort. So recently, when Michael Agneta of Troutrageous posted his Sacred Cows of Fly Fishing, Bjorn Stromness of Bonefishing on the Brain returned in kind. […]