Happy Happy Happy

Over these past couple of years in the mountains I have come to the realization that it is in this place where I truly am happy. Peaking hills, cold streams, and small towns is just what seems to click for me. I have realized that not only is it this place that makes me happy, but it is the passion that so many others in this area just like me are chasing. Not fishing to put a smile on our own faces, but fishing to put a smile on the faces of others. Teaching new techniques and showing just an acre of a whole other world to someone who doesn't know anything about it. The outdoors have always been a therapeutic escape for me, and now I am getting to share that with others. It is no longer the joy I receive from catching a big fish or having a high number fish day that does it for me, it's taking someone who has no idea, teaching them a few basic skills, and watching their face light up with every fish they catch. Although this lifestyle unfortunately may not last forever, it is what truly makes me happy and what I feel I would be happy doing forever. At times it can be stressful, aggravating, or just plain tiring, but the joy of others quickly outweighs all of those things. Some may look at it as a job, I look at it as a sharing of knowledge, a continuance of education, and another person who was led to the joy of what the outdoors has to offer. The smiles you see when someone lands their first trout, has their first strike, or just simply learns something new, is like no other. I spend these hours behind my vise, fishing new places, and researching, not only for my own satisfaction but for the satisfaction that others may have from the work I put into these preparations. Some may laugh and say "that's not really work" but I can assure you that myself and others just like me work hard to ensure that people have the best time possible on the water. It is this satisfaction of others that drives me to stay up an extra hour to prepare for trips, tie new flies, or maybe research a little more about certain streams. It is these smiles that have led me to find a true satisfaction in my own life. The truth is that the mountains is where I long to be. Even though I may have to leave this place soon, I will always be satisfied knowing that even though it may have been for a short period of time, I was able to share the beauty and the knowledge of such a wonderful place, and the wildlife that swims through it, with others.

The Spring Swing

It has been a while since I have written one of these. I told myself I was going to stick with it but truth is in between papers for class and studying for the end of the semester, writing for heck of it just hasn't seemed to logical, Anyways...

Spring weather is finally upon us here in Western North Carolina and fishing is picking up tremendously all across the region. The wild streams are starting to produce really good fish as well as most of the stocked streams. A lot has happened since I have last made a post. I have guided several trips and taken many days to myself on some local streams and lakes. The bass on cedar cliff and bear lake are also starting to move up towards the beds and a few fish are already laying on the beds. Some hot patterns that have been producing really well... Girdle Bugs, Frenchies, Iron Lotus (early in the morning especially), Pheasant tails (Many Variations), and hares ears have been my go to's lately. I'm gonna make this short but I will continue to post frequently as I fish and as things change. Good luck and tight lines!