I haven’t been brook fishing since I was a kid. Once my dad refused to help me untangle my line from the alders one more time I found more interesting pastimes. As I grew older and wanted something to take my mind off from the stresses of the day I started flyfishing. My introduction was on ponds where most of the time a sinking line was cast blindly to a trout you hoped was waiting. Strip, after strip after strip, cast after cast after cast. Of course I have caught some decent trout otherwise I would have abandoned this fishing method as well. Since I have met Greg and Jeremy I have found that fishing can be more than a pastime, it can be a passion. These guys will fish anywhere for anything as long as it involves a flyrod. Greg has convinced me to re-try brook fishing for trout with a flyrod. To date I have been 3 times. To date I have not hurt the fish population one bit. I see trout slurping flies, and I see trout holding in the stream waiting for feed to drift by, But I can’t catch them. I know that I will learn the intricacies of fooling the trout in moving water as time goes by. I will learn what a seam is, and I will learn what fly gets their attention. Until then I will continue to visit the small trout streams of Cumberland County and everytime my line is wrapped around an alder branch or the hook is buried into a stump I will see my Dad shaking his head, and mumbling “How the hell does he do that time after time”
Thanks Greg….
what a great article pat. a very enjoyable read. the trout are just playing games with you. that’s how the addiction and the passion begins. your in it for the long haul now, because they never – ever stop driving you nuts. don’t know what it is about flyfishing that gets us hooked. all the hook ups in trees, all the missed fish, all the driving, wearing silly rubber outfits and vests with lots of pockets. really kind of funny when you think of it all. But, something, I don’t know what exactly – but something about all of it is just so great. Maybe its best if we never figure out why and just keep on having fun. Thanks Pat.
Here’s some advice:
Find your own way. watch the fish and find the patm method for catching them. There really is no right or wrong way – somwehere in between all the stuff people tell you – there is your way. find that and you will catch fish. good luck.
Don’t forget to look around you and breath. What their slurping if your calm and watch the wate it will come to you. Get a net with I have a sein you can have, you stick it in the water and see if you can see what their slurping. Last night where I was they were slurping spinners. Want to go fishing, I’ll come down or you can come up.