FEATHERS AND IRON

Monday, March 26, 2012

Silence on the swing

Last Saturday, I ventured out amidst the mists and fog in search of migrating steelhead. The weather is out of whack - we've had temperatures as high as 80 degrees in early March. I am not sure our spring steel know when to swim anymore. The river is sparsely populated with wintered trout - dark, slouching, lumbering slowly upstream as they seek out a home they never truly had. The numbers are not there. Yet. One friend I saw later that day remains hopeful, and said the unpredictability was still a good bet. The steel may still come.

As I set foot in the river, I noticed just how blown out it was, and remained. There is a nervousness that finds me before I make my first cast. A few times, I thought I would lose my footing and wash downstream. I am not a fan of that happening, so I moved a few steps back and scouted blindly for better submerged ground. I got my bearings and began casting, working river right, then river left - three steps, repeat. Spey casting is brand spanking new to me. The tempo created by the rushing water often changed my casting rhythm. Mentally I would correct my speed, and then think each step:

Rod down, then up slightly and to the side. Arc it back, then forward and down. Wait. Rod up, gently twisting inward, then forward. Swing. The lines shivers in my wake, buffeted by ever-renewing water. If done right, it will slowly center on me downstream. Now river left.

Each movement carried focus, and the world's voices fell into the background. Nothing made a noise. There is love woven into that silence. A silence that deafens the river around me.

I have found a new doorstep to my home on the water.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Fly Fishing Film Tour: Milwaukee - Wednesday, April 18th.

Have you ever wanted to see some of the best clips from fly fishing films in a theater? What about in a brewery? This year, The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) stops in Milwaukee, and will show fly fishing short films at Sprecher Brewery! The show includes over 10 short films on fly fishing from a variety of perspectives - there is something for everyone, and new views into the realm of fly fishing too. Pat Ehlers and The Fly Fishers (Milwaukee, WI) are sponsoring it, and will have a lot of great swag for attendees - to include a special craft brew from Sprecher just for the F3T! Pat has also donated one of his Echo Edge84 8wt rods, an Echo Ion reel, and an Airflo Bass/Muskie line to match! The rod/reel/line combo will be raffled off with all proceeds going to Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited (www.sewtu.org).
Tickets for the movie are available at The Fly Fishers in Milwaukee, the F3T website, through SEWTU (http://sewtu.org/ - there is an email address listed at the bottom of the page). You can also obtain raffle tickets in advance through SEWTU. If you use SEWTU for your ticket purchase, please title your email "F3T tickets."
Don't miss out on a great night - films, craft beer, gear raffles, great people - the makings of a memorable night!
Cheers