Exploration. Little is known on the subject of roughfish as they are not well studied. The majority of fisheries research investigations tend to favor gamefish populations and fish species of high commercial value. Much is still to be understood of the unique feeding habits and behavioral patterns, including torpor, or roughfish species. Fish migration still remains a mystery to many fisheries biologists; the winter patterns of many roughfish species are unknown. Only by the means of observant anglers pursuing these unique fish will their behavior and patterns finally become understood. The brotherhood of brown water angling is growing, and so will the story of our beloved fishery.
Innovation. The advent of brownlining and non-traditional species starting to be pursued brings about a renaissance to the sport of fly fishing. Masterful fly tyers in the art of creating brownwater patterns are starting to gain in popularity and celebrity. The pursuit of carp is even finding its way on to the pages of traditionalist fly fishing media outlets. Coupled with the increase in urbanization and decrease in water quality across North America, these factors will likely shift the mainstream industry focus from coldwater to warmwater fisheries. In addition, as more exotic species are being introduced to the continent (many illegally), opportunities for the adventurous angler will increase. Gone are your granddaddy’s days of fishing cane rods with silk lines and gut leaders to German stockers and wild brookies. Welcome to the world of the roughfisher, where anything goes, and if it swims, it can and will be caught on a fly.