*As previously published in STS.

It has always made me chuckle how fishing, a sport that is renowned for its relaxation and soul-soothing, can be surrounded by so much drama.

"Oh God, what the hell are they saying now?" (Dustin Carlson photo.)

Spinning rods, level winds, center-pins, single and double handed (Spey) fly rods, I have endured it all and, consequently, have witnessed the stereotypes and conflicts that have accompanied each of these angling styles.

“Bait Chucker’s”, “Snaggers“, “Fly Snobs”, and “Flea Flickers”, whether you like it or not, chances are you’ve been labeled one or more of these titles at some point in your fishing career.

The truth is being a great steelhead angler is so much more than the equipment one uses, how expensive one’s waders are, or how tight a loop one can cast.  It is not about how many clubs they belong to, how many bragging rights they are entitled to, or how many television appearances they have made.

For the truly great angler, whether they fish a fly or conventional gear, is proud to be an eternal student and strives to read every drop of flowing water and deliver every drift or swing with flawless presentation.

Ultimately, presentation is key.   Name brand waders, flashy rods, and an inflated ego can't help to teach an angler the art of reading water. (Yoshi Aoki photo.)

Similar to the lengthy travels of these sea-run beauties, the aspiring angler will most likely take a metaphorical trip of their own.  Facing obstacles of indecision and uncertainty, it is advancement down a long and endless road that I call…. “The Journey of a Steelheader”.

The First Stop in My Journey

Steelhead have always held a special place in my heart.

A woman who has never had much tolerance for abuse or neglect, I suppose it was an ironic species of fish for me to pursue.

The steelhead neglected me, and I, in turn, abused myself, spending countless hours in unbearable weather, desperate to see a flash of silver.

Brrrr. (Trevor Welton photo.)

It was a natural progression.  A teenage loner on the local river, I spent numerous weekends and skipped school hours hunting Chinook and Coho salmon.

As the salmon season ended and the snow began to fall, I was reluctant to hang up my waders and call it quits for the year.

It was at this time when I learned of the elusive steelhead.

Sigh...the days of kitchen shots and blood stained pants...

If at some point in my life someone were to have told me that I would become an avid steelhead ‘fly-fisherman’, I would have laughed and told them they were crazy.  “Why would anybody waste their time fly-fishing, if they could slay ‘em drift-fishing?”

I was good with a level wind, and loved the rush of watching my float disappear into the depths, sucked under by an angry steelhead.

Not a real fan of fishing bait, I used rubber baits, spinners, blades and wool. I tackled B.C.’s mighty winters, hiking through unmarked paths, accumulating matted snow on the felts of my wading boots, all the while seeking warmth in my unflattering brown neoprene's.

A virgin to fishing forums and tackle shop slander, it’s no surprise that I was confused at my first run-in with two fly-fishermen.

I was working my way through a seam in one of my favorite runs, when I heard the voices of several men behind me on the bank.  I turned to see two fly-fishermen, obviously agitated, discussing whether or not they should move to another run.

“Do you really want to fish here?  That gear guy’s already raped and pillaged it.”

They looked at me in disgust and walked away.  I blushed with embarrassment under my baseball cap and thanked my bulky jacket for hiding my long hair.

I drove home that afternoon, feeling belittled and cheated.  What had I done wrong?  I was simply minding my business, searching for a little adventure.  Isn’t that what they were doing too?  Was I truly that revolting because I held a different rod than they did?

I started to get angry as I replayed the whole affair in my head and kicked myself for not saying anything in my own defense.  “Damn fly-fishing snobs,” I muttered the whole way home, falling both victim and villain to stereotypes, unknowingly plaguing my fishing innocence forever.

Good-bye young, blissful, innocence....

A Life-Changing Detour

Years passed and so did my preferences.  Float-fishing began to lose its excitement, and though center-pins temporarily peaked my interest, I found myself longing to learn how to fly-fish.

I flailed away with a hand-me-down 8 weight and before long, was casting reasonably well.  Swinging spoons had familiarized me with prime fly-fishing water, so I headed to a secluded spot on the river to make an ass out of myself in private.

A spoon caught steelhead.  Yes, those cheeks are as chubby as they look....leave them alone.

My heart beat fast as I faced my long-awaited challenge and it didn’t take long for me to recognize that fly-fishing had been my missing link.

I accepted my position at the bottom of the learning curve and prepared to learn again from square one.  To my delight, many of the tricks I had learned while gear fishing applied directly to being a successful fly-fisher! My revelation knocked down any walls of intimidation, and I began to fish with confidence.

I observed the surrounding fly-fishermen that I had once feared, and felt foolish for ever feeling inferior.  Most of them were kind and humble, indifferent to whether I chose to fish gear or otherwise.

You're not all so scary...(Tom Jull photo).

Some taught me valuable skills that no book or self-educating could ever offer, while others let me witness many of their mistakes.  Mistakes that I had learned not to make while fishing conventional hard-ware.

I watched them stand out too far in the water, when the fish were sitting in close; I watched them worry more about the aesthetics of their cast, rather than where they landed their fly; I watched them walk through fishy pocket-water to get to fishless, shallow, sweeps; and I watched them squirm with insecurities, just as I had that day when I decided all fly-fishermen were snobs.

I quickly re-adjusted my attitude and vowed to banish any hostile stereo-types that had defined my ignorance.

The Road Less Traveled

I am well aware that to publicly announce that fly-fishing for steelhead is the next step to becoming an accomplished angler, is like voicing your true opinion on a shark-infested fishing forum.  In fear of being eaten alive, they are just two things that you do not do.  However, for me, that is exactly what fly-fishing was; the next step in my journey.

Greg Thomas photo.

I’d be lying if I said I caught as many fish as I used to, but I’d also be lying if I said it wasn’t worth it.  A satisfaction like none other, as confused as I once was when I questioned why anybody would waste their time fly-fishing, I am equally as confused now as to why anybody wouldn’t!

I love you. (Adam Tavender photo.)

I understand that this may not be the preferred method by everyone.  In fact, there are certain anglers whose eyes instantly glaze over the minute I even briefly suggest the possibility of learning.

For some, it is simply not their time, and for others, it never will be.  But for many, it is a new-found way of life, and upon finding it, they can never comprehend why they ever lived without it in the first place.

Still a student in my own exciting journey, it is not my place to preach, rather to suggest alternate routes for other traveling anglers.

Step By Step

Whether they will admit it or not, most fly-fishermen started off fishing gear.  Granted, there is an exceptional minority to which this does not apply, but for the most part a worm and bobber (or something of the sort), was the initial foundation in paving the road.

This is why it frustrates me so, to see so many of my customers and clients too intimidated to give fly-fishing a try.

Why does it have to be hard?  The beautiful thing about advancing from drift-fishing to fly-fishing is that most previous knowledge is easily applied!

As many anglers already know, reading the water is one of the most important parts of being a great Steelhead stalker.  Although fly water is slightly different than typical gear water, for the most part, if the fish can be found, then with a little knowledge and finesse, it can most likely be caught.

The casting is simple enough.  In the time it takes for a beginner to learn how to use a bait-caster (bird’s nests included), they could learn to fly-cast competently enough to tempt a waiting Steelhead.

After all, half of the time, the fish are hugging tight to the bank, seeking refuge from unnecessary strain in the harsh current. Between the internet and an abundance of certified instructors with “how to” DVD’s, the excuses are beginning to grow meek.

Lastly, consumer friendly prices no longer exclude “regular people” and a full rod, reel and line combo can be purchased at a more than reasonable price.

Thumbs up to good deals through the boys at Urban Angler, right Richie?  Seriously though, ask your local shop and you just may be surprised at how affordable fly-fishing can be....

Really, the hardest part about getting into fly-fishing is making the first step.

Ready to Fly?

The aforementioned endless road of advancement is non-discriminatory to which style of fishing you choose to partake in.  It is long and winding and never lets you see what is around the corner.

There is always more to learn, more to see and more fish to catch.  So whether you choose to make the trip crawling, walking, running or flying, the road to becoming a better steelheader is a journey designed for us all.

We are proud to announce BC's Columbia River as a new addition to our list of offered fisheries.

Adrienne Comeau photo.

The Columbia River in B.C.'s interior is home to one of the finest, unexploited trout fisheries in the world!

Huge, wild rainbow trout inhabit these waters lurking behind boulders and shadows, laying in wait for your fly to challenge them to a battle (one that will likely take place somewhere in your backing).

The section of the Columbia that flows from Castlegar, BC to the US border is one of the last free-flowing stretches of river that blesses this large and beautiful system.  This is a vast river that is best navigated by jet boat and a knowledgeable guide.

We can comfortably accommodate three anglers fishing from shore or two anglers fishing from the boat.  We are more than happy to supply all necessary gear and Spey-casting instruction as our head guide, Bruce Kruk, is an unbelievable caster and instructor.

Meet guide and Spey instructor Bruce Kruk.

If you like to fish on tranquil and quiet rivers for large, wild, hard-pulling trout, then the Columbia River is a fly fishing adventure that you must experience! The scenery itself is enough to have you looking at your calendar to rebook.

Email april@flygal.ca for more info or to book a trip.

Little Linnea...we can see the angels have been busy at work.

I am so jealous I didn't think of this first....

Check out Deals on the Fly for incredible deals on fly-fishing items!  How it works?  The site puts up a very limited amount of one product marked at a ridiculously low price.  When it's sold out (which doesn't take long), the site posts its next new item.

Alright, so here's the deal....

We just got back from a weekend of fishing with some incredible people who all had the same goal in mind; raise money for the Casting 4 A Cure event. (Photos and details of the event and charity to come soon!)

For now, I would like to ask you to take a minute out of your life to open your eyes to Rett Syndrome and educate yourself a little on this disorder.  We're going to be touching on this a lot on the Fly Gal Blog so please visit the Casting 4 A Cure website and get up to date on C4C and future announcements.

First person to donate a donation (large or small) and email me verification wins this Metalhead DVD.

Please email proof of payment to april@flygal.ca and stay tuned for full details on our trip!

Thank you for your support,

Ape.

***CONGRATS TO HEATHER MATTSON FOR BEING THE FIRST TO DONATE TO THIS GREAT CAUSE!  A SINCERE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO ALSO CONTRIBUTED!  IT HASN'T GONE UNNOTICED.....

Buck fever.   That's what they call it when a hunter freezes or does something stupid during the perfect moment to attack their prey.

I prefer to call it temporary retardation and it's a talent that I consistently excel at.

Perhaps this is why I fish such large rivers in my home province of BC, Canada. Wide runs and Spey rods, boulders and seams..... the simplicity of silent prayers that a steelhead is somewhere lurking in the current.

Cast, swing, step,pray. Cast, swing, step, pray. (Adam Tavender photo).

See, without visually spotting the fish in advance there is truly no buck fever, only buck surprise; and it's a whole lot easier on the ego when one screws up after the fish has been hooked.

Sight fishing in the saltwater is something that is still quite new to me and I'll be honest in admitting that it doesn't take an overly observant guide to note this.

For example, take the buck fever I mentioned. In my case I instantly turn into an over-sized kindergarten student who's forgotten her lefts from rights, all the while appearing to have never looked at any clock other than a digital Timex with a Velcro strap.  The guide yells "11:00!", I cast at 2:00.....what a mess.

"Oh, THAT one o'clock!" (Glendon Paulk photo).

If I'm lucky I may be able to avoid the sick "thunking" sound as my Clouser nails the back of my head and if I'm really lucky, I may be able to delay the disgusting slurp of catching water as my overly excited back cast drops to where there are simply no excuses.

Don't let them fool you.....they hurt. (Tim Myers photo).

Another unique newbie talent I seem to possess is my curse of enthusiasm and uncontrollable excitement. My friends call it the happy dance, my guides call it something I can't quite make out as they always seem to mutter it under their breath.

Oh I get so excited!   My feet start to dance like a football player practicing that silly drill atop old car tires while my hands subsequently keep along to the rhythm with ridiculous clapping and nervous squeals. The anticipation kills me.

So when I booked Travis Holeman of Holeman Brothers Outdoors no one could blame me for not telling him about any of these ' buck fever symptoms'. I wanted Travis to take me and several other friends fishing in Louisiana for Red fish; BIG Red fish.

I had heard of Travis through another guide we had arranged to fish with, Greg Dini.

Greg had contacted me several years earlier in an email tempting me to take a shot at the famous New Orleans catch; the spotted beauty and glowing Red Drum. He had twisted my mind (and my arm) and had plagued my thoughts with visions of monstrous, record breaking fish.

Paired with a city that had intrigued me for years, New Orleans, land of Jazz legends, wild parties, historical brilliance, world famous cuisine, swampland and of course, fishing....had me doing my happy dance before my feet even hit the boat.

There were eight of us fishing on this trip and each of us were eager to touch down and settle into a feast of oysters and Hurricanes (a cocktail designed to help rowdies accumulate an abundance of beads...if you know what I mean). We were arriving only one day after Mardi Gras and had no idea what to expect.

Oh Mardi Gras...

Sure enough, beads and red plastic cups littered the asphalt and the lack of life on the dark streets implied that everyone had indeed participated in a wild night just 24 hours earlier.

One of our many refreshment stops during our stay.

We chuckled and made our way to the famous Bourbon street for dinner and drinks.

The next morning came fast (5:30am to be exact) and Travis was waiting to pick me and friend Phil Napolitan up before the sun made an appearance.

A beautiful morning.

The weather was cold but the smile on Travis' face warmed us instantly and within seconds we were loaded up and on the road.

We had a 40 minute drive ahead of us and Travis settled in to give us the lowdown on the latest fishing report and weather conditions.

He went on to explain that February wasn't usually this cold and that the weather had been baffling the locals. Usually warm and sunny, the below freezing temperatures, overcast skies and choppy wind was unusual and overwhelming for some; especially while seated in an accelerated boat in the middle of the ocean.

The boat ride was long but with Patagonia and Buff as my new best friends, the ride was tolerable. Travis wasn't lying; it was cold.

(Tim Myers photo).

Rumor had it that the winter months brought in fewer, but larger fish.

Big game hunters, Phil and I knew this going into our trip so we were prepared for a day of patience and selective stalking.

The sky was gray and visibility was not at its best. Travis stopped the boat and assumed position on the poling platform, pole in hand. He looked like a giant up there, burly, weathered and standing in at 6'4.

Travis Holeman....the Man. (Tim Myers photo).

"Ape," he demanded, "Let me see your cast. I wanna see what I'm working with here." I shot out a bomb and watched my weighted Clouser plummet into the water and instantly pierce through the depths. I smiled proud and prematurely. Buck Fever hadn't consumed me yet.

Travis instructed me to land my fly softly and to keep my eyes open for what looked like a "large Golden Retriever" swimming in the water.

I truly had no idea what to expect but I kept my eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

Next, Travis worked on my vision. As he poled us effortlessly he pointed out schools of Sheepshead and tested my eye sight and distance approximations.

Sheer concentration. (Glendon Paulk photo).

The overcast sky and rippling water was not making this easy....

Suddenly across the way, a loud shout of excitement broke the silence and echoed through the yellow grass and marshy tundra. Dini's boat and two of our guys were into a big one and it was taking them for a ride. We had found fish!

(Tim Myers photo).

Travis maintained his cool (something I never was fortunate enough to see him lose) and pointed almost directly in front of me.

"There, fifteen feet 11:00".

I squinted then felt my stomach flip. There truly was what looked like a floating canine almost right at my feet. I cast, stripped and came up blank.

I cast again, only this time clumsily landing the cast on its head. With a tuft of sand and one quick dart, my fish was gone and I was left unimpressed.

(Tim Myers photo).

"Arrgghhh! Idiot!"   Needless to say, there were no pats on my back.

Travis laughed and continued to pole. I handed the rod to Phil.

"Alright Philthy, let's see what you've got."

I watched Phil and Travis work together spotting the next fish. Travis instructed Phil where to cast and Phil landed his fly with precision. He kept his nerves composed and maintained focus. I wondered to myself how much the wad of chewing tobacco stuck inside his cheek helped to ease the anxiety.

Watching the guys intently. (Tim Myers photo).

Again Travis instructed him clearly with casting direction and distance. The fly landed with a soft "ploop".

"Wait....slow strip....strip....strip...he's on it dude!"

Phil set the hook hard and to the side flexing his forearms and preparing to battle.

The water churned and metallic scales had me squealing.... This fish was sturdy and fighting with passion.

Phil fought his beauty like a pro and before long she had succumbed to the battle and was ready for landing.

Nice wad Phil.

Travis leaned over and swiftly brought her into the boat for a photo and a release.

Leeches squirmed on her belly and fins, a result of the cold water and laying close to the ocean floor as Travis later explained.

It wasn't an hour after Phil's excitement that I was putting on a similar show and my rod buckled while I concentrated on landing my first Red. With long runs and intimidating head shakes, it battled hard and teased us as it neared the boat, only to peel line again.

Upon landing, I admired its distinct scales, thick shoulders, blunt face and a spectacular signature dot marking the girth of the tail.

I smiled as I watched her swim back into the depths.

My first Red.  Thanks sweetheart....  (Phil Napolitan photo).

Some photos to tell the rest of the story....

A New Orleans Voodoo doll checking out my "Boots with the Fur".  Whatever.  It was cold... (Glendon Paulk photo).

"You're awfully small to be poling this thing aren't you?" (Glendon Paulk photo).

Phil with a nice one.

A nice New Orleans Red. (Travis Holeman photo).

Love.  (Travis Holeman photo).

Glendon fighting a good one.  (Tim Myers photo).

Glendon lands a nice Black Drum.  (Tim Myers photo).

Trav with a good one.

(Tim Myers photo).

Thanks to Lynn Smith and Kevyn Parker for the great photos.

We have teamed with Rio Products  www.rioproducts.com and are happy to be a part of their advisory team.

Rio fly lines have graced our spools since the beginning and we are proud to be working in part with such a great team!

Wow, you all sent some great ideas!  Thank you....!

I will be putting many of those ideas into play for future Pay It Forward Contests.

For this particular contest however, I have to announce two "winners". 

We will be able to combine both of their ideas to hopefully help make this world just a little better.

"Hey April, What if we make short videos and upload them to Youtube? Everyone has a digital camera these days, and the quality doesn't have to be fantastic. That way everyone can see and appreciate these random acts of kindness!

Ashley Rae"

And

"Often in this heavy society which we all live, individuals can get bogged down by various degrees of stress. I think it would be nice if fishermen and women pledged to pay it forward by; taking one person whom they know could USE a day out fishing and inviting them along. Whether it be a friend who's fallen on hard times, a child or teenager who's parents are separating, a neighbor returning home from Iraq or Afgan, what ever it may be- I think we all know someone who could USE the pull of a trout on the end of their line.

"And if the angler catches a fish, surely then there is no man merrier than he is in his spirit" -John McDonald The Origins of Angling

Pay it forward by treating someone to a day on the river or lake.

A.J. Gotschall "

So, here's the challenge:

Take someone fishing who you know needs it REAL bad...  Ideas to try out are old folks homes, Girl/Boy scouts, youth centers, veterans, that neighbour across the street that just looks sad all  the time, your quiet co-worker who always seems to be looking down.... It's really up to you...

Try to be sensitive to the people around you and see who is looking like they may need a friend and a day away from home.  Heck, even an hour of dry casting on the grass is better than nothing.  Just show someone that you care...

Directions: 

Capture the moment on video and make sure that you film a piece of paper that has "Pay It Forward Contest 2010" filmed in the opening scene (even your digital camera may have a video option...try not to discredit those).   

Post the clip to YouTube (it doesn't have to be a long clip) and email me the link in an email titled "Pay It Forward Contest 2010".

We have got some incredible prizes and each will be given away accordingly.  Contest will go until August 1st, 2010.

I'm excited to see what you come up with!

There are days where I ask myself what we as anglers can do to help out in this crazy world....

Every once in a while I get hit with an idea that forces me to act (ex. Flies For Fins).

So I started thinking....  What if we had a regular Pay It Forward contest?  An ongoing contest complete with prizes and giveaways based solely on spreading good will, love, kindness and education....

I am racking my brain trying to think of contest concepts...

Volunteer at an old folks home?  Teach 3 children how to tie flies?  Spread the word on the potency of fish farming to the average seafood consumer?  I find myself coming up short when I think of ways to do this and be able to not only choose a winner, but also 'prove' that the kind deeds were done.

So....let's start this Pay It Forward thing like this:

Please send me your ideas (to april@flygal.ca) on different ways to help out others (individuals, communities, non-profits, etc) and I will send the person with the best idea this G.Loomis hat (the tan one)...

Please remember that we have got some high ticket items as well as some smaller items so feel free to be as "far fetched" or as simple with your ideas as you would like.

I look forward to hearing what you come up with!