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. Well, she’s my ex-wife now and my new and improved wife is much more down with me pursuing my passions.
Most of your friends aren’t.
Yes, I know that.
I don’t think your daughter is as interested.
She’s very, very interested in sharks and rays and nature, so I think I might still manage to squeak that one out. She goes shark fishing with me and loves it. I think I’m winning on this one.
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 have had some amazing trips that have come about because of the blog. Andros, Cuba, Belize. I can’t complain. Not even one little bit.
I did get a free pair of sunglasses and a reduced rate on a few things, but I don’t sell anything… at least not yet. The blog certainly doesn’t make money, but that’s not why I’m doing it, so that is OK.
I’m not an industry insider. Not really. 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 (I got to do this, actually)… 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?
Money and time… basically. Even a free trip costs $1,000 or more.
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.
Well, that’s all I have for you. It truly has been a pleasure.
The pleasure was all mine.
