Archive for Reel Reasons

The Everest Build… 50 years, New Hope

03/29/2013 On the Rocks, Reel Reasons, Vedavoo, Workshop Fresh No comments
FEAT_Everest

Vedavoo Ambassador Mike Chambers has spent the past few days in Katmhandu, and leaves in the morning for the Khumbu Valley – and his first steps toward the summit of the world’s tallest peak. He’s climbing Everest for Flying Kites Global – an amazing organization targeting support of orphaned children in Kenya through a Home and Leadership Academy they built. Check out their work – it’s worth believing in!

About six months ago – when his plans were starting to come together for the expedition – he reached out to me to build him a pack for his summit bid. I was ecstatic! By far the most difficult and challenging project I’d taken on to date, and dreams of my work at the top of the world drove me forward through my early trepidation. This was one pack that absolutely could not, and would not fail.

I spent hours designing and refining concepts on paper before I started work – it had to be clean – it had to be simple – and it had to be able to withstand the challenges that the Mountain would throw it’s way. Then, with literally dozens of concepts clouding my vision, I got a message from an old Boy Scout friend that included a link to a page chronicling the first American ascent of Everest in 1963. To say that I was inspired was a vast understatement.

In a few weeks, it will have been 50 years since Jim Whittaker took the last few steps to the summit, and at the time of his climb, only six others had accomplished the feat – Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay included – and the trek to the peak took him almost 10 weeks. There were no airstrips then – so he hiked 187 miles to base camp from Kathmandu to start his effort. Whittaker’s pack – a classic external frame made of bright, gold fabric – became my inspiration.

Given the opportunity to build a pack for Everest – and one that WILL be carried to the summit within days of the golden anniversary, I vowed to pay tribute to the first American, with a pack that would represent him while supporting the bid of another great American climber today.

In the months that followed, I tried various shape studies – cut / trimmed / refined until the ideal layout emerged. I stayed as true as possible to the style and form of Whittaker’s pack – and from that model, I worked on critical improvements and features that would meet today’s requirements for Mike.

The pack I built just flowed – everything had a place and a purpose, and though the effort took almost two weeks of time in the workshop to bring to reality, the final pack more than met my expectations. Like Whittaker’s pack – Mike’s is Gold and Black – and both are products of craftsmen in the United States of America.

Whittaker Raising the Flag at the Summit - his gold pack shows in the lower left.

Whittaker Raising the Flag at the Summit – his gold pack shows in the lower left.

Everest is … well… Everest. Like no other test on the planet. So I’m proud to have had the opportunity to test my work like this; but, being able to also share in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the first American ascent by sending another American-built pack to the summit is something I will never forget and always cherish.

My heartiest good luck to Mike – we’ll all be rooting for you and sending prayers for your safe ascent and return. Looking forward to sharing in your celebration from the Summit!

Scott

PHOTOS FROM MIKE’S JOURNEY

FOLLOW MIKE’S JOURNEY THROUGH HIS EXPEDITION SITE

VIEW MIKE’S AMBASSADOR PAGE

Yellow Glass

08/02/2012 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
iphone 008

I started fly fishing right after I finished at the University of Wyoming. My family is all about the value unspoken – giving meaningful, forever cherished gifts. My graduation present from Dad was no exception – my first fly rod and reel.

It wasn’t anything fancy… Not a Sage, Scott, or Winston and it wasn’t made of bamboo. But it didn’t have to be. My father’s gift – a vintage 7 wt from Eagle Claw – meant far more to me then and ever since.

Modest and subtle, the utilitarian design made it a thing of beauty. The glass was bright yellow with simple orange thread wraps – clearly placed with greater focus on anchoring line guides than on the visual drama of the rod in action. It was light and quick. For a 7-weight it offered a bright response and a sharp return when the rod was properly loaded during the backcast. I remember watching the yellow pass by my periphery – even after the sun had set – teaching me balance and rhythm that has served me well ever since.

Though I’ve tried a mess of rods since that first, I’ve never found another that matched the feel it had while playing out a healthy little Brookie. So it was more than a personal tragedy when the tip broke off by a carelessly lowered garage door.

My son is seven now – and after a few trips out with me, I decided it was time for his first rod. I reached out to Cameron Mortenson over at The Fiberglass Manifesto for some friendly advice – the man knows more about rods than I’ll hope to learn in a lifetime of fishing – and though he had several solid suggestions, one stood out:

“Eagle Claw Featherlight”

I leapt at the suggestion – and picked up a second for my own sense of nostalgia. An excellent starter – it reminds me so much of my own first rod – an I expect it’ll treat him just as well.

Our first adventure out was a great one – several Bluegill, a pretty Pumpkinseed, and a nice Crappie. Many smiles, and a proud Papa.

The next night out – Jade had the opportunity to wear his new TFM shirt (and matching Yeti hat) for what quickly became one for the photo album. I bought and tied on a foam bodied yellow frog popper, and helped him launch it about 10′ off the bank. Within seconds a nice (NICE) Largemouth Bass inhaled the bug. Easily 4 lbs – and ultimately a broken Tippet… but not before a well-bent yellow fiberglass rod in the hands of a beaming little boy.

I believe in yellow glass. :)

Reel Reasons No. 6: Gold at the End of Cherokee’s Rainbow

07/13/2012 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
Palomino Trout at the Cherokee NC Hatchery

I push back from my sewing machine and look to the wall at my left. Hanging there is a poster I hung back in March upon my return from Cherokee, North Carolina. A friend of mine had been pinging me consistently – providing regular encouragement to put my work aside, and to fly down to The Old North State for some excellent angling for trophy trout. I’d just finished a batch of sling packs… and after a less than enjoyable winter in New England, the decision to take him up on that offer came with little encouragement. Cherokee Fisheries Poser on the wall of the Vedavoo Workshop

I’d been to North Carolina only once before – back in 2001 during a trip I made for the Order of the Arrow; I remembered how beautiful the changing leaves looked, but had little else outside of the Scouting event to remember. Quick in, Quick out. This time around was about freedom – about crossing the Blue Ridge into the Great Smoky Mountains in pursuit of trout on a fly. About building a memory, and experiencing trout fishing – for my first time – below the Mason-Dixon line.

Cherokee, North Carolina is home to over 30 miles of coldwater, spring and runoff fed trout streams. In itself, that statement alone will draw anyone who’s ever been interested in floating a fly in a current. But what makes the fishery really special is the quality of the management that keeps all 30 miles full of strong, healthy Salmonids.

Every year the Cherokee hatchery raises 400,000 trout from eggs, and stocks about 35,000 pounds of fish every month. They have a broad variety of Rainbow strains, Browns, Golden Rainbows, Brookies and the coveted Palominos… like nothing you’ve ever seen! This effort supports a consistent average of 13,000 trout per mile. Compare that to the 800 per mile elsewhere in North Carolina, and it’s no small secret why Cherokee was selected to play host to the US National Fly Fishing championships last year, and why they held the US Junior National’s this season. It’s an amazing place.

But just as quickly – all could have been lost. In July of last year, a flash flood poured down from the mountains and overwhelmed the hatchery with a wall of water, mud, and debris that buried the facility and wiped out vast numbers of the trout they were raising. Robert Blankenship, the hatchery manager, told me how he and his team arrived less than an hour from the time the flood poured through, but how their quick response couldn’t save the fish.

I can’t imagine what was going through his mind – or how hopeless it must have felt to look upon the devastation. But Robert and his team deserve vast credit for restoring damage the could have easily taken years to repair – and doing so in the matter of a few short months.

Feeding fingerling rainbows at the Cherokee Hatchery in North CarolinaDiving immediately into the clean-up, they were able to acquire new trout and viable eggs from other Federal and state hatcheries around the country. While pitching feed to a pool of Rainbow fingerlings, Robert casually spoke of how he’d driven all night to Arkansas and back for a batch of trout. One of dozens of trips he made I’m sure. And as he spoke, it struck me that the fish causing the water to boil below my feet were the product of this hard work.

My adventure was largely spent on nearby Soco Creek – a waterway that reminded me a lot of the Popo Agie back home in Wyoming where I’d caught my first trout on a fly. Though I didn’t connect with any trophy fish, I did hook up with a few dozen, beautiful trout – some of excellent weight and size – and (my favorite) lots of little stream-born natives. The color on these fish was unreal! To say that I had a good time would be a vast understatement! I can’t wait for my next opportunity to fish in Cherokee – when I expect to spend nearly all of my time on the Catch & Release only, trophy section of the Oconaluftee River in search of a heavy Palomino!

North Carolina Fisheries & Wildlife Management Hat hanging on the Vedavoo Sewing MachineStarting today, Cherokee will host their Mid-Summer Trout Fishing Tournament. Anglers from all over the US will be in town – spread over the 30 miles of stocked streams and rivers with the hope of connecting with their own trophy trout, and a share of the $10,000 cash purse. I wonder how many of them know just how much work has gone into ensuring that this event – and the seven other tournaments Cherokee hosts – would happen.

My (new Cherokee Fisheries Management) hat is off to Robert and his crew for a job well done. Thank you gentlemen for making my second trip to North Carolina one I’ll never forget!

- – -
Scott Hunter is the Founder of Vedavoo and an avid fly fisherman

Inspiration

06/18/2012 On the Rocks, Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
223873_4232330731244_2040159329_n

This year has been a special one. December through May brought nothing but beautiful weather to South Dakota. We were fortunate enough to climb and hike almost the entire winter, with only a handful of days where we were trapped inside a climbing gym. Spring brought more of the same, but with more intensity. I doubt we’ll ever see seasons like these again – perfect for making new stories with good friends and family – climbing, falling, trekking through snow, and sitting in the rain through thunder storms.

I climb to test my limits –  many of those terrifying bouldering top-outs and long-standing projects are behind me, and new projects are ahead.  One of those, is my return to music.

The past five months I have been writing a lot, learning new songs and playing all around Rapid City and Wyoming. Pulling inspiration from my surroundings, I have been focused on creating something new with my music.  That creative process helped me express feelings and writing helps me to understand myself.

As I’ve have wandered down this road, I have come to appreciate the creative arts, creative minds, creative hands, and the dedication of those who pursue their passions… and learned through my own experience, how those passions re-point creativity back at us.

For me, creativity is about the mixture of chords and lyrics that resonate in our souls to express emotions words alone simply cannot say.  We climb because of the aesthetics and creativity that are involved when faced with a 100 foot challenge. We fish because of our connection to pristine waters, our serene environment, and the adrenaline we feel when our lines go tight. And, as artists, we create because we believe in the joy of seeing something emerge from nothing.

They patiently chip away what does not belong in order to expose what was already there – to find something special that’s been hidden from view. This kind of creativity means having the heart to discover what was there all along – and to stick it out. As artists, we create because it is our passion.

Passion is about the extremely late nights and early mornings to finish the final stitches in a pack that we hope to see on the trail or river someday. Determination chips away the frustrations in order to create patience and success. It is about trekking down the road less traveled because we are driven by our passion. This passion is a flame within our very being. It ignites and burns the shadow of doubt that creeps into our minds and it fuels our hearts to push us through the most difficult of tasks.

True beauty is not forced. It takes more patience and time than our fast-paced, wireless internet, smart phone, Facebook-driven society can cognitively grasp. Nature’s perfect beauty was fashioned from the many years of rain, snow, wind, ice, and sun. As much as people have tried to recreate it on a canvas, no one will ever be able to do it as perfectly as the process of time has. As much as we would all love to see immediate results, all we can do is face this road as it is, persevere through the trials, and accept that we are part of a creative process … being carved into who we are supposed to be, and ready for what we are supposed to do.The failures, sleepless nights, cuts, bruises and falls are all part of how we learn to move forward. As we choose our passions and our passions choose us, our experiences help mold us and create who we are as people.

In the brilliant words of E.E. Cummings, “It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”

Send your projects, and NEVER forget to take the time to appreciate those who walk with you and always have your back. Create, express, pursue, overcome and always challenge yourself. Continue to fall, fail, cry and heal… just stay determined, remember you’re part of a process, and keep moving forward. Be terrified. Be excited. Be courageous!!! This whole time life has been chipping away the extra shit to expose who I truly am. My passions are creating me. All of our roads are less traveled, and I am a firm believer that wherever we are, good or bad, we are always right where we are supposed to be.

Continue to follow your passions, be patient, stay determined and when the dust settles…keep moving.

—-

With the support of family (my wife) and friends (you know who you are), overcoming these projects seems to make the blood, sweat and beers worth while. Thank you to all my friends and family for keeping me motivated and always putting up with my antics! Ya’ll are the creative artists that continue to chip away the unneeded shit in my life that makes me a better human being. I am truly in debt to ya’ll and I got nothing but love and mad respect for you. Thank you for being my inspiration. Cheers! Collin

Reel Reasons No. 5: Paying it Forward

04/26/2012 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
Black 013

The life of the entrepreneur makes it rare for me to fish more than one day a week. These days, I’ve always got a pack to sew, a new design to finish, or a pile of email to answer. But last weekend, I got three consecutive days on the river – - – unheard of, but much appreciated – - – and those three days soon became one of the most refreshing and fun I’ve had on the water.

After a miserable effort at my Brown Trout standby on Thursday – including an afternoon hailstorm while I was waist-deep in the river – I opted to go back to basics  on Friday evening. I grabbed my son – unplugging him from Phinneas and Ferb – and made my way out to a local river I’d heard a lot about, but had not aggressively tested.

I started him out with the same thing I learned on – running currents with an ultralight spinner and a trout worm. I caught hundreds of little rainbows and brookies like that when I was his age – and built a library of great memories at home in Wyoming or in the Black Hills of South Dakota where we vacationed. It’s not fly fishing per se, but the principles are still very similar. Drop the worm, keep your other hand on the line to feel for takes, and work the worm into pockets and around rocks to find the fish hiding in holes. We explored for the better part of two hours without any luck – but about half an hour before dark, we settled into a deep little pool and found what we’d sought.

After a few dozen soft strikes, Jade connected with a really nice little Brookie… and soon after, I did as well. It was the perfect end to a great outing. Jade and I both caught our first Eastern Brook Trout in the same hole, on the same day – something I’ll never forget.

The next morning, I got up early – filled with new confidence and energy to take another new fly fisherman out for his own crash course. Chris is a big time bow-hunter, and though he’s had very little meaningful experience with anything other than a bass rod in hand, I knew he wwould appreciate the subtleties of drifting a soft hackle through a run.

I started him in the same hole Jade and I had fished the night before, but several fishermen had the same idea, and I decided to take him instead to a lesser known spot.   It’s my own personal corner of heaven – away from the crowds – and where small little native-born fish covet an opportunity to take a small, well-placed nymph.

When we settled in, I took some time to explain some of the basics… showing him caddis casings and mayfly nymphs on a small rock retrieved from the water. I showed him how to play the fly through the run… and demonstrated how I’ve learned to simulate a rising bug. About 5 minutes of prep… and it wasn’t long before he connected with a hard-fighting little trout. Thereafter, Chris hit another four little natives before we called it a day – but I’m glad I gave him a chance to see how much fun and rewarding fly fishing can be.

The next morning, I was beaming. I’d caught a few fish – but my fellows had done excellent. And it occurred to me… that I’d had the opportunity to be the guide… to take what I’d learned and been taught, and to pay it forward.

This coming Sunday, I’m headed out again – and I’m hoping to guide Jade to his first fly-caught trout. It’s with no small amount of satisfaction that I know his first will come on a yellow fiberglass Eagle Claw … just like the first pole my Dad gave me.

Tight Lines… and when you get a chance, pay it forward.

Scott

Reel Reasons No. 4: TARPON TOWN

03/19/2012 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
DSC_0611 - Version 2

Mexico will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I fell in love with Saltwater fishing. It’s where I realized that there are wild places in this world that are worth just skipping town and leaving everything behind. There’s something special about the small towns that bring in a fresh catch each day. The tiny grocery stores that serve little more than a cold coke and a bag of chips. They’ve managed to survive the overwhelming technology consumption by society, and still remain attached to their roots. I’ve had a dream since I was about 15 to go off and live in Mexico and storm the Cenotes each morning in search of untouched waters. I could live on the beach and travel with a pair of clothes, a fly-rod, and a camera.

The first trip I took to Mexico was when I was 14. My dad and I traveled to the small fishing village of Punta Allen along the southern end of the Yucatan. We stayed in a rustic, glorified shack and ate fish and fresh fruit each morning, but the highlight was being able to fish Ascension Bay. We left each morning in the lagoons of Boca Paile, and made the run south into the large, expansive bay. The rich turtle grass, the dense mangroves, and the sticky, hot inferno of the backcountry was enough to make me think I was in another time zone. I’ve always been fascinated by the historic Caribbean cultures of rum runners, drug smugglers, and fisherman. Instead of seeing Yankee Stadium in the 30′s or something of that nature, I wish I could experience these wild places for what they were 50 years ago. I’d like to snorkel with Castro in Avalon Bay and maybe go bonefishing on Norman’s Cay with Carlos Lehder. I enjoy learning about these wild pastimes and anytime I can get a glimpse of that I jump at the chance.

Atop the legendary peninsula steeped in Mayan Lore, lies the convergence of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. This famed intersection brings a bounty of nutrient rich waters, which attract baitfish and predators alike. All together, the waters surrounding Isla Holbox make up the most diverse Tarpon fishery on the planet. The ocean side flats and drop-offs bring large schools of Tarpon each spring to feed on the abundance of Sardines. These fish range in size from 60-200 lbs. and can be seen rolling on calm mornings. The interior lagoons host Tarpon from 5-80 lbs. and these fish can be rolling, cruising, or layed up beneath the mangrove trees.  There’s Snook too, and Jacks, and Barracudas resembling large missiles.

- – - -

Dakota Richardson is a Vedavoo ambassador, avid fly angler, published author, and student at NYU.

Fly Fishing NH – Recap and Reflection

03/06/2012 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
Square_FFNH

I’m originally a Wyoming trout bum – and no matter where I live, I’ll always be that. I’m so fortunate to have had those years of angling in the Rockies – because I was surrounded by guys who knew a thing or two about catching trout, and plenty of places to teach myself the rest. Growing up in that environment was awesome for me as an angler. I fell in love with backpacking into the wilderness, and casting flies above 10,000′ to rising Brookies, Cutts, and Goldens, and I got pretty decent at catching nice fish.

Then I came east for school. I soon found that fishing outside of the Northern Rockies was far different, and I had to develop a whole set of new skills if I wanted to be a success. But where to turn… ???????? Without ties to the local community, I’ve looked at books, torn through guides, and watched about a thousand videos about new patterns to try, new techniques, or water I haven’t yet fished. There’s only so much you can learn from this. I desperately needed to find other anglers, and to share experiences to get better.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending and exhibiting at the Fly Fishing New Hampshire show in Pelham, and it was exactly what I was searching for! I’ve been to a lot of shows as a participant. It’s tough – because a lot of times shows become more about the exhibits and big name speakers, and less about the community. I hate that! But in this case, the opposite was true.

It was a big one for Vedavoo because it was the first real chance for us to showcase our new 2012 Tightlines Shoulder Pack and Chest Pack designs, and to get some real feedback on a couple new products we’ll be launching soon. But it was clear right from the start that the show was going to be so much more!

I got to go to what was literally a conclave for budding and seasoned anglers, hunters, and trail-buffs to get together, swap ideas, talk gear / tricks, and come away the better for it. We sold a lot of packs – and I’ve got a lot of sewing yet to do to finish filling orders this week, but on a personal level I came away with more than I ever expected. The community was so welcoming – so kind – and so supportive of both the work I’m doing at Vedavoo and the work I’m doing to be a better fisherman. New friends and new ideas that I left with are priceless – and I couldn’t be more happy right now.

If you have a chance to hit this show next year – make sure you do!!! and if you know of any similar events in your neck of the woods, please comment here for others who may read this. Build the community!!!

I can’t wait to get back up to this event next year, and to find more like it for more fellowship and fair talk with folks like New Hampshire’s best.

Reel Reasons No. 3: Winter Steelhead

02/13/2012 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
DSC_0247_2

Every year the pains of losing our migratory gamefish to the warmer pastures of the south become nearly unbearable. When you spend nearly 3 months straight on the water during the summer months it’s hard to drop into a leisurely hibernation. That aching to wet a line soon overtakes any cautionary thoughts in opposition of the relentless cold, the incessant ice climbs that are necessary to find an untouched beat of water, and finally, the notion that a winning lottery ticket is more likely than your tiny, size 16, nymph finding the mouth of dormant trout.

I had grown up accustomed to heading north to Pulaski during the colder months. My brother and I would load the car on little notice after a small break in the schedule. The back of truck soon was riddled with fly rods, waders, boots, sling packs, tons of jackets, and landing nets. Not to mention enough brightly colored egg flies to supply Fat Nancy’s (the staple of local knowledge and equipment for the Salmon River).

The runs north were filled with laughter and reminiscing of times of both great success and amusing failure. We’d laugh at the times where my dad took a spill in a run, only to swear off Steelheading all together. We’d remember the times where a swung fly out-fished the bait guys and when my brother had to land a 12 lb. fish with half a fly rod after it snapped above the cork. We’d plot the small side channels and creeks that were loaded with Salmon and Brown Trout which other anglers refused to fish. The good times of the past, the unsatisfying gas station snacks, the warm cups of coffee, and a never ending playlist of Creedence Clearwater Revival seemed to alleviate the dullness of upper New York State.

This past winter I’ve enjoyed several weekends up north during the steelhead runs. It’s become a tradition for me, and when the frigid snowstorms descend upon the northeast I instantly gravitate towards the rivers draining into the Great Lakes. I was fortunate enough to fish with my dad and brother on the creeks of Pennsylvania that make-up “Steelhead Alley.” We stayed for a few days and spent more time agonizing over the methodology of these fish than actually fighting them. In the end we hooked and landed plenty of fish, sometimes in creeks no wider than one lane street.

I also spent several days living out of my car as I fished the creeks of Lake Ontario. I spent a couple days fishing the Salmon River, and a few more trekking through the smaller and less popular creeks. It was an adventure for sure.

- – - -

Dakota Richardson is a Vedavoo ambassador, avid fly angler, published author, and student at NYU.

Reel Reasons No. 2: Salmon Fishing, Scotland Style

06/01/2011 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
Reel-Reasons-2

Last year while I was in Boston I ran into Scott. Actually I was sitting next to him in MBA class at Babson business school. He told me all about Vedavoo and it’s outdoor philosophy – fantastic business, so I said I would keep in touch. Then, as luck would have it, I got a message from some fishing friends back home in Scotland. “How would you like to join us for some Spring fishing next year?”

Amazing how outdoor worlds collide – Of course I said yes (on both counts), so here I am writing about the Spring fishing adventures for Scott’s Vedavoo website.

The fishing in trip was to the Islamouth beat on the River Tay. For those not too sure where exactly that is, it’s probably the last stop before the Northern Highlands become the Really Northern Highlands. And for those who know the Salmon fishing scene in here in Scotland it’s the best (and probably one of the most expensive spots on the river).

Now being traditionalists over here Spring salmon fishing on the fly is what it’s all about. Chest deep in freezing cold water, 16” double-handed spey rod in hand, casting into gale force Northern winds with enough chill to rip the skin off your face, while trying to get a line out with all the style and grace of Obe Wan Kanobe brandishing his light saber. It can be tough going at times.

But this time around the conditions couldn’t have been better. Yes it was bitterly cold – so cold in fact the rod rings start freezing over, but no wind to speak of, and plenty of monster spring salmon about the place. So with a trusty shrimp fly on – in I went.

After getting into my rhythm (after all I hadn’t been spey casting due to being in Boston for a year) it all felt truly magical. It continues to amaze me how time just passes you buy and how “at peace” you feel when out salmon fishing – with yourself, with your surroundings and with the river running past you as you stand in it chest deep. And before I know it I was casting like a dream off both shoulders – single and double speying like the best of them – magic….

And fish, well the Spring Salmon is a totally different beast. Get one of them babies hooked and you know all about it. A slow pull on the line at first and then “Baam” – off it goes like one of those Bass sport boats heading back to the weigh in. It’s a brilliant fight – a cross between cashing a Tarpon (the leaps out of the water) and a shark (pure power and muscle). Yes I lost a few – hey, that’s why it’s called fishing and not catching.

But hook a couple of them I did. All fresh run bars of silver – one at 14lb the other at 22lb – and all returned safely on their way (it’s pretty much all catch-and-release over here now to protect the numbers for future generations).

So if you fancy a bit of tradition and a chance to try for some of our majestic Atlantic salmon, then come on over to Scotland and give it a go. The gillies (you call them guides) here a friendly bunch and full of helpful advice and tips. You might not catch anything – but you’ll have a fantastic and memorable time.

Best,
Iain (McDougall)

The beautiful Meikleour House, right on the river
All ours for the next 3-nights.

On the river towards the end of the day
The best Salmon beat in the world.


- – -
Dr. Iain McDougall is an avid fly fisherman and successful businessman from Scotland. Entrepreneurial in thought and action, he crossed paths with Vedavoo while at Babson College as a Saltire Foundation Fellow.

Reel Reasons No. 1: Some People Fish

05/04/2011 Reel Reasons, Vedavoo No comments
Nate Edwards

Some people fish to catch fish, but I don’t have to even hold a fly rod to enjoy fishing.

For me getting out and taking in the beautiful landscape that usually accompanies any river landscape will make any day. Standing in the middle of the river letting the mid-morning sun warm your back as a thick mist comes off the glass like surface providing antelope a perfect mirror as they cautiously drink.

For me watching anybody even complete strangers hookup with these very determined runaways makes my day. The best part for me is to look into their face as they have accomplished there goal of catching a silver bullet. I have been a spectator for many battles fought from my drift boat, many of which are the first of its kind for the majority. This to me has been the most rewarding aspect of putting people on fish and observing life long addiction of fly fishing play out as the day goes on. It is as if I have provided a footprint on the minds for many, I have introduced them to a new friend which will blossom to be a wonderful relationship that will last a lifetime.

I am glad to have given them the opportunity for such a friendship as this without this relationship with such an amazing friend, my batteries would be dead the majority of the time. This friend can recharge my batteries in just a few hours and listen to my deepest thoughts, always with an open mind. Fishing to me is not only catching fish and actively fishing it is everything else that comes with it, the river, the landscape, and the amazing relationships that I have made along the way.

Nathan Edwards

- – -

Nathan Edwards worked as a guide on Wyoming’s North Platte River before moving to the Pac NW to pursue a career in Optometry. An old friend of our team, Nate continues to enjoy fishing on nearby water.

« Older Entries