Re-Igniting A Passion.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
Long before I ever picked up a camera, I was an avid fly fisherman, though I’m not sure “avid” even begins to describe my love of the art of casting a fly. Back when all I thought about was achieving a perfect, drag free drift, I spent as much time in the mountains chasing fish as I do now chasing sunrises.
There was something so peaceful and relaxing about casting a dry-fly to rising trout. And there is nothing like the satisfaction of catching a wary trout on a fly I’ve tied myself. Unfortunately fly fishing has taken a back-seat to photography the last few years.
The photos seen here were all created by request for someone who contacted me looking for fly fishing photos to give as a gift. Since I had no fly fishing images in my portfolio, I was eager to get right on it and create a series of images from which they could choose.
Little did I know that I would also be receiving a gift in the process. A gift in the form of a rekindled desire to cast a fly, to be on the water attempting to entice a fish into accepting a hand tied fly.
Having been so busy getting my photography off the ground, I hadn’t realized just how much I missed fly fishing until I started making these photos. The rods will not be so neglected this coming year.
Saving the best for last, if only because these were the ones chosen, these last two, both 20″ x 30″ (51cm x 76cm) canvas gallery wraps, are to be Christmas gifts for someone who will hopefully be very happy with what Santa brought them.
My New Years Resolution for the coming year, put the camera down more often, and pick up a fly rod.
See you on the river!
These are just beautiful Jeff!! It’s hard to fit in all of our hobbies isn’t it? Need more hours in the day
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December 12, 2012 at 6:50 am
Cindy, the thing is, one (expensive) hobby usually replaces another. The gear from the previous being sold to finance the next. Fortunately all my fly fishing gear has escaped that fate. I have taken my rods to the mountains when I go on a camping/photography trip, but not often enough.
December 12, 2012 at 7:14 am
Well, with your New Years resolution that will change
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December 12, 2012 at 7:29 am
Nope, not at all. I already have all the fly fishing and fly tying gear and materials I need. The only thing I need is my fishing license.
My telescope wasn’t safe, all my firearms either, but the fly fishing gear was never an option as far as being put up for sale. It may have been put on the back burner for a few years, but deep down inside I knew I’d be back.
December 12, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I know silly, that’s what I’m saying – that your new years resolution means you will get out fly fishing more often 😃.
December 12, 2012 at 8:34 pm
We have the same passion and the same missing! Maybe this coming Spring I’ll blow off the fly fishing gear and head out. Thanks for the article and pictures.
December 12, 2012 at 9:23 am
You should Rick. I spend enough time up north with my camera, I just need to bring along the fly rod and a box of flies. I need something to do during the harsh light of mid day anyway, might as well wet a fly
December 12, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Looks like such a relaxing thing to do. Great images!
December 12, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Thanks Stephanie, yes it is, very relaxing. Enjoying the scenery and hoping to catch a fish or two, it doesn’t get much better.
December 12, 2012 at 7:23 pm
I especially love the first two!
December 12, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Thanks Jude. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to find a “model” this late in the year, but then I remembered how much of a die-hard fly fisherman I was, where there’s trout they’ll be someone casting to them.
December 12, 2012 at 7:25 pm
great action shot in that first image. and i really like that third one….
it brings the river so very close.
looking forward to your fish tails/taies in the new year!
December 13, 2012 at 1:08 am
Thank you! I will certainly share a few of those tales here
December 13, 2012 at 6:32 am
Jeff, I loved the film A River Runs Through It. Every time I watch it, i feel very peaceful and longing for the countryside. I can just imagine you being the professional how you feel when casting a fly. Congratulations on your photos going under someone’s Christmas tree. I like the penultimate photo very much.
December 13, 2012 at 1:51 am
Thank you Valentina! It was a very good movie. I wonder how many people ran out a bought fly fishing gear as soon as they left the theaters?
December 13, 2012 at 6:33 am
I used to fish trout and bass when I was younger. Now I just take photos.
December 14, 2012 at 9:54 am
Why give it up? The light is crappy during the middle of the day anyway. What better time to wet a line.
December 14, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Beautiful captures! Since my brother and father are huge fans of this hobby, I would say these were…almost familiar moments.
December 29, 2012 at 8:45 am
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to getting back on the water over the course of the coming year.
December 29, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Another passion and art form in which we share an earnest interest, Jeff! I had two wonderful days of trout fishing while I was in New Zealand recently, and you’ve stirred up the urge to post something of the experience. Watch for it!
March 9, 2013 at 1:48 pm
I will be keeping an eye eagerly open for it! I’m very much looking forward to this year. I haven’t wet a line in far too long!
March 12, 2013 at 6:08 am
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