Waders and Fish Whisperers

Fly fishing is much like music. It's all about rhythm. Finesse. Much like trombone playing... As we've seen, it's a delicate and subtle act. 

And so, to really experience the harmony of fly fishing, this most recent 52 Firsts expedition took us into the wilds of BC's great outdoors. Into the back country; a land of raging waters, bear dens and Tim Hortons. Welcome to Mission! Home of Stave River and the location of these here 2 city slickers' adventures!

Now, before making the pilgrimage to trout heaven, we started out at Fishlander Pontoons for a lesson is fish whispering. But not without first being wowed by this entrepreneur's knack for amazing invention. Meet the world's only foldable and portable pontoon. Backpack included! 

(Said pontoon!)

With dry-land fly fishing 101 underway, I was literally trying to suppress a deep desire to jump out of my waders from all my enthusiasm to get out there! Ahhhhhh the waders. Half the battle is looking the part. Obviously. So stylish!

As for the actual sport, I had romanticized it in my mind. You know, that image of tranquility; casting of the line and the graceful movement as it dances through the air. And frankly, the part Rena and I were most excited about! 

Interestingly, the first question everyone seems to ask is "...did you catch anything?". Not the point people. Remember: Romance.Tranquility. The art of casting. But I suppose one does love the hunt! Or the fish? ... Or the chase? Whatever.... Here fishy, fishy, fishy..... 

But turns out flyfishing is more than just finesse and total wader hotness. It's about out-smarting your fish. It's making them hungry for what you've got.

Now if you are like me, you would have assumed it was all worms all the time. Not so. There are hundreds of options to woo your fish. Perhaps you should be a fly (hence the name) or a shrimp. What about a frog (!!) or a mouse (!!!!). Yep, apparently some really big fish want to eat faux-mouse. Cool, man. Whatever works.

(All handmade my Mr. Pontoon Inventor Guide)

It was actually a really cool way to spend a beautiful afternoon in the country, knee deep in water.  And, after having achieved oneness with my fishing pole - wax on, wax off - we decided to turn back. Turns out I'm a natural. But I think Bill says that to all the girls!