Block Island Video

I am fortunate to have a large and growing network of fly fishing friends. Some of these friends make their living in the fishing business, some are trying to and some do not. For me, I value a fly fishing friend based on their level of passion for fly fishing. A fly fisherman, in today’s world, can perform fly fishing related internet searches for all regions of the planet and find 10’s of millions of people selling guided trips, lodging, fly rods, fly reels, videos, drift boats, flies etc… Most of these people and businesses are fantastic. They are passionate about what they are selling, eager to earn your trust and business and proud to be providing services and product to other fly fisherman. However, there is another side. A side that is more sad than anything else. Not often, but sometimes, I run across these sad stories. I meet guides, shop owners, lodges and immediately it becomes obvious that all they want is my money. For whatever the reason, they have lost the passion of fly fishing. They have deluded themselves so much in the business of fishing that they have, sometimes unknowingly, lost the passion for fly fishing itself. Maybe they never had the passion? Maybe they had the passion in the beginning but somehow lost it? Whatever, the case, they lost it. These characters are easy to recognize because a person can not fake passion. These types of characters are always more concerned with getting your money, selling you anything under the sun and they are generally not concerned with the quality of your experience. Typically, these characters become so egotistical that have forgotten that their fishery is really just a tiny piece of the global fly fishing puzzle. They sadly live in a box, only capable of understanding their immediate surroundings. They have closed their minds to anything outside of their little world. They project an impression as though it is their customers honor to be doing business with them. And, they typically give the impression of being a know-it-all, because foolishly they actually think they do know-it-all. A couple weekends ago, myself and a cherished fly fishing buddy went fly fishing for a day on Block Island. Alex lives in Argentina and he is back in the USA visiting family for a month or so. It is no coincidence that Alex chooses this time of year to come home and visit. He is a hard core freshwater and saltwater fly fisherman. Of course, in Argentina, he has some amazing Trout and Salmon fishing at his fingertips. But, if a few years pass between return trips to the USA he craves the New England saltwater, especially in the fall. He keeps in touch via the internet with his tight group of New England saltwater fly fishing buddies. He stays connected to the salt scene by tying killer feather wing saltwater fly patterns. While tying his salty critters his mind wonders to Newport, Montauk, Fishers Island, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, etc… So, Alex and I take the ferry from the mainland to Block Island to chase the hard tales (albies/bonito) from shore. At first light, the fish blow up on the beach and we both get some solid shots into the fish but couldn’t close the deal. We both agreed, it was our fault. Bad casts, sloppy line management and all that stuff. Another fly fisherman shows up and we get to talking. Turns out that this dude, Greg Snow, is very good friends with all of Alex’s friends. Also, turns out that Greg works as a guide with Chris at Block Island Fishworks. All the pieces started coming together and, once again, it becomes obvious that the world of fly fishing is a very small and interconnected world. A couple hours pass and we are still talking on the beach. I then realize that I haven’t cast my line or scouted fish all that time and I say, “So, are we fishing or what?” Greg and Alex snap out of their discussion. Greg looks at the ocean and says, “Let’s go out in my boat. I got a 23 foot sea craft.” Next thing ya know, Alex is on the bow casting to Stripers and Bluefish on the Southwest side of the island. Crystal clear water, awe inspiring bluffs as the backdrop and watching striped bass swing at our flies. Then it gets better. Greg says, “Hey, let’s do this. I got this Muskee Plug that has no hooks. I will cast it way out there and tease up some fish. The fish will slash at this surface plug and follow it all the way into the boat. Alex, you let me know when the fish and plug are within your casting range and we will do a little switch. I will pull the plug out of the water and you drop your popper fly on the fish.” Of course, Alex said, “Sounds good to me.” So, we tried it once and everything went exactly as it should. A very cool experience because everything was visual. So, we only had a couple hours on the water but we all caught fish and had a blast. Chris also brought us out on his boat for an hour or so and once again, we all caught fish. In a short time, these guys have become good friends. We are already making plans for a run to Montauk, Martha’s Vineyard and the Salmon River. Yup, Greg and Chris are incredible saltwater fishermen. They love what they do. They love to fish. And, their passion for fishing is contagious. Last year, both of them went freshwater trout fishing for the very first time. They said they loved it and wanted to go again. So, I said, “If you guys liked trout, you’re gonna love steelhead. Same deal just bigger fish. I’ll take you guys to some of my Steelhead and Brown Trout honey holes. Bring your saltwater gear.” So, it’s been said that a man’s wealth is measured by the amount of quality friends he has. That being the case, I am a very rich man. If you ever find yourself on Block Island or you ever want to experience the island from a fly fishing perspective, I highly recommend Chris and Greg at Block Island Fishworks. They are true fisherman.