October 2007 President's Message - Destination Fly Fishing

By: Todd Fleming
Alamo Fly Fishers – President 2007

Todd with Alaskan Silver SalmonAs I have mentioned previously, I like to fish. I grew up fishing, and probably like most of you, I started simple. I can remember some great days pulling in countless numbers of brim and bluegill with a cane pole and a carton of fresh night crawlers. It was simple fishing for simple fish, but also very entertaining for a boy growing up in Texas. As I got older, my collection of fishing tackle grew. I acquired a couple of different rod and reel combinations and began to use more artificial and less natural baits. I took advantage of every fishing opportunity I could. I loved going fishing, and it didn’t matter where. Some joked that I’d be content to wet a line in a pothole after a summer shower!

In the last seven years or so, I have become completely and totally addicted to fly fishing. I used to take a spinning rod with me on fishing trips just in case it was “too windy” to fly fish. But I’ve learned to deal with the wind, and the spinning gear now collects dust in the back of the garage. It is all fly fishing, all the time for me now.

I still like to keep it simple, and most of the time my fly fishing adventures are integral with a camping trip to the hill country or the central coast. I prefer the low maintenance of paddling my kayak, and wading clear water rivers or shallow saltwater flats. I also enjoy casting flies for the unknown predators lurking around the granite jetty rocks. But mostly I enjoy being apart of everything that happens outdoors. Fly fishing has led me to notice and appreciate the simple things in life.

Hungry Silver SalmonNow I have to tell you, I have just recently returned from a fishing trip that went well beyond the limits my usual fishing water. It was a destination adventure that I had been reading about and planning for several years. I went all the way to Alaska to go fly fishing! This was my first trip to Alaska, and I was attracted to the wild frontier that Alaska is noted for. Alaska is a vast place - even larger than Texas, and still mostly uncivilized. There are almost no roads through the state, and most travel is by air, or on water. Alaska is the new “wild west” famous for Eskimos and dog sleds, similar to Texas being famous for cowboys, Indians, and horses. Alaska is now also famous for dangerous jobs, extreme wildlife, and remote destinations.

When I started thinking about a fly fishing destination vacation, I knew I wanted to find a location where I could experience more than just great fishing. Alaska is synonymous for great fishing, but Alaska can also offer a glimpse of the untamed wilderness. Fly fishing has taught me to notice and appreciate such rugged natural beauty. When we flew through the mountain passes in a small single engine airplane and arrived at the fishing camp on the Pacific coast of the Alaska Peninsula, I knew we were only visitors in a wild land controlled by Mother Nature. The camp was primitive but still very comfortable, especially considering our extremely remote location! It was definitely a “5-star” camp, if there is such a rating. And yes, the fishing was also outstanding!

We are fortunate to live in Texas where we have the opportunity to fish in many beautiful locations only a short drive from home. I am a huge advocate for experiencing our local water, and learning to see the intangible beauty of our own backyard. But the message here is to also dream, save, and plan for a destination fly fishing adventure that will take you to new locations, to catch some different fish, and to experience the intangible beauty of an unknown remote location. My destination adventure was a camping and fishing trip to Alaska, but there are many different places to see all over the world. Some are near, and others are more distant. The magazines are full of destination ideas. For most of us, these exotic destination adventures are not part our routine travel plans. They are special, and usually require planning a year or more in advance. I want to encourage you to dream and plan for a future destination adventure.

Outback Rod RackAs an officer in a fly fishing club with members ranging from curious beginners to some very seasoned fly fishing veterans, I believe we have a responsibility to address the needs and interests of all of our members. Most of our programs are geared to helping the novice excel and have success at fly fishing, but I feel we should also, on occasion, expose our membership to the other end of fly fishing. That other end of the spectrum includes destination adventures. At the meeting next month, Joe Filer and I will share our experiences of fly fishing in a very remote part of Alaska. I hope you will join us for that presentation. I also hope you will share with us stories and adventures from your own destination outings!