I’ve had a significant case of writer’s block in the gap since my last post. I’ve had scads of images queued up for months in a handful of entries that just haven’t come to fruition. Fish and fishing has come and gone with little more than a few handheld fish shots to bear witness. The truth of the matter is that I hit it pretty hard to finish up the 2015 fall campaign. I was never convinced that I had any stories strong enough spin into a full length feature. But enough of the sad sack apologies, this is a new year with new challenges ahead. Like most of my local brethren, I’m super stoked that Wisconsin has evolved from the dark ages to allow for winter trout fishing. So with that in mind, I’ll unload some of the unpublished bits and pieces to stoke the fire a bit before diving into any winter trip reports. I need to flush this backlog of effluent from the pipes before loading new content into the system.
I’ve got a love/hate relationship with this wintertime habit of mine. Some people don’t want to see a pile of yesterday’s news in one digestible nugget. I guess I choose to peddle my wares on my own terms as opposed to shouting out loud via the usual networks. The social media facade is rampant. It’s a magical place everyone is more happy, more wealthy and leading a charmed life. In the context of fishing this often manifests itself in forums, blogs like this one (guilty as charged) and certainly via Instagram (the world’s largest braggin’ board). Have you noticed that everyone catches more and bigger fish than you do (not to mention we are all industry darlings and angling experts)? It can be a misguided arms race about what’s really unimportant. Have I mentioned that I’ve created the next Banjo Minnow? But once you scratch beneath the surface the glass is actually half-full from a shared experience and DIY standpoint. I sleep well at night, and take solace in the fact that Simms is just dying to get me into their waterproof pants, because I know how to get it done with the long rod. All we are is dust in the wind.
7 comments
Ryan Frick says:
Jan 6, 2016
Cute! You are an amazing writer and photographer who has a talent for catching large fish. Why does it matter that Simms want you in their waders? You are a big deal. Humble and modest you are not.
andy says:
Jan 6, 2016
Sometimes I tell stories, sometimes I intentionally push buttons. Posting pictures of fish and fishing alone isn’t enough for me to keep this thing interesting. That’s why the header is FISHING + CULTURE + LIFE (not just fishing). I often incorporate an observational tone to some of what I write, which sometimes stems from a specific interaction with others. But for what it’s worth, the final section is meant in jest. I encourage you to always click on the banner at the end (if you don’t already do so), there’s often a punchline to the joke (that may or may not hit the mark). More specifically to answer your question, The Simms bit stems from my experience working with fishing pros in the past, and knowing others who are “sponsored” in other sports (it’s just a throwaway line and not meant to be taken literally). In real life I’m the most regular guy, as are most that you’ll find. But more to the point of the post, nobody is “bigger deal” than the guy in the next pool upstream, we are all “big deals”. You are also a talented guy, thanks for checking in Ryan!
Ryan Frick says:
Jan 6, 2016
I’ll pull my foot out of my mouth now. A friend pointed out the Will Ferrell reference and the point of your post being humorous. I missed the reference and took it way too seriously. Sorry about that, thanks for being gentle and letting me live!
andy says:
Jan 7, 2016
It’s all good, no need to apologize. You aren’t the first person to take issue with my point of view (and you certainly you won’t be last). This thing isn’t exactly a masterpiece of writing acumen. Some people might misinterpret what I’m saying, some folks don’t like what I post, others just plain think I’m full of shit (which is probably true). Either way I welcome the input. Tight lines.
charlie says:
Jan 7, 2016
if we’re busting balls, simms waterproof pants fall into the same category as the surveyor font…
good shit, as always.
andy says:
Jan 7, 2016
I’m always amused how much time fly fishermen spend discussing the nuances of “plastic pants”. Think about what we as a society could accomplish if we’d bottle up those countless hours and use it them for good. Furthermore, I often ask myself why we can safely put man on the moon, but cannot master the art of leak proof trousers. In my estimation they are meant for failure, it’s just good business…
Ross says:
Jan 7, 2016
I’m just happy to see you still adding content, you’re a stingy bastard! Gorgeous browns, they look completely untouched and down-right surprised someone had the audacity to catch them. Looking forward to your WI winter highlights.