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2006 Steelhead Reflection Video

Passion: a strong emotion or feeling for something that is desired intensely. This is the best way to describe the sensation of fly fishing for Steelhead. It starts with just a seed of thought that grows into a monster over a short period of time. Each fish you hook, battle, lose or land fuels the fire that pushes an angler to the most extreme limits. Wading in 35 degree water up to your chest, living on caffeine, nicotine, and granola bars, driving endless distances and suffering the elements in the dead of winter are all characteristics of passion. I took the time to reflect upon my past steelhead outings and realized that it is much more than the fish that has made me appreciate the sport. People I have met and friends I have made, some of which I would consider brothers, have all been a result in searching for the same treasure. Just spending a moment with

a steelhead and releasing it to fight another day can take a year worth of worries away. It is an experience that makes your body tremble with joy and leaves you feeling alive. It can also humble you and leave you asking questions of why? Your mind spins at night with thought of what you should have done different, water you should have fished, how come the fish shook your hook, I should have checked my knots and I shouldn’t have horsed the fish. Spinning and spinning your mind settles and lets you rest until the next battle which, in your mind is never soon enough.