“eMag eXcellence”
February is typically a difficult month for me. By now winter has landed a few lucky punches, school is rolling at full steam, and every body of water I fish north of Bangor is caught in an unrelenting icy grip. March won’t likely prove much better, and opening day in April never seems to coordinate with ice-out. Time moves slowly between the hunting months of Fall, the holidays, and the fly tying season in February and March. Routines become monotonous, void of excitement or surprises.
Enter fly fishing eMags.
I follow very few online fly fishing publications, but “Catch” and “This is Fly” have long remained two of my all-time favorites. The photography features in both are always original and stunning, the articles are on point, and the addition of videos (eat your heart out print) has proven to be a nice finishing touch. Simply put, every issue leaves me wanting more.
Check out the two latest issues below, and remember, a brand new fishing season is right around the corner.
Click to Read
Click to Read
Last Light
And the show goes on…..
Five more shots to close out the “Sunny Daze” series. No fancy explanations, not hidden secrets, just photography. A few of these shots were taken as far back as 2002, and all but two were taken with a beat up 5MP point-and-shoot. Just goes to show you, big expensive cameras aren’t always what make good shots. More times than not, nature plays the most significant role in the process. I guess I’ve just been lucky enough to have a camera handy when the show starts.
Enjoy!
Sunny Daze: Part II
Welcome to round two of Up’North’s “Sunny Daze” photography feature! The following three photos were shot (descending) on Long Lake, along the historic Allagash Wilderness Waterway; on the Saint John River near Frenchville; and at a Summer camp on Little Sebago Lake in Raymond. All photos share a common trait in that each scene was enjoyed among a group of friends during long weekends that turned out to be some of the most memorable of my life.
It may sound arrogant, but sunsets like these are what I’ve grown to expect living in Maine. Regardless, it goes without saying that every new experience holds the potential of being more breathtaking than the last. Occasionally during the editing process I’ll make alternate versions of the same image in trying to portray or hint towards different feelings or emotions. These attempts can be seen in the first two images, and their stories can be found within the captions below.
When first viewed, this image was more dull and gray than it was warming. I saw things a little differently and went to work trying to optimize the sun's reflection off the water. This was the end result of nearly two hours of trial and error.
The bright colors of this image happened purely by accident as I was trying to create a silhouette with the birds and church. I liked what I saw and decided to run with it. The end result remains one of my most memorable photos.
The final image is special for me because it is actually my first attempt at introducing live subjects into my scenic photography. She didn’t know she was being include in the photo, but I hope she is pleased with the end results. I opted to darken the tree-line and her silhouette, while at the same time upping the saturation (only very slightly) of the fading sun. I regret not capturing more of the dock, I think that might have helped take some focus away from the sunset, while drawing more attention to my subject’s silhouette. Then again, it’s difficult to be dissatisfied with this image as a first attempt.
Check back soon for the final installment of Up’North’s sunset feature, and for some exciting news regarding a new partner, and a whole new slew of new viewers that I look forward to welcoming to the site in the coming months.
Tight Lines,
-Ben
“When I Grow Up”
….I want to be part of the research and development team for Loon Outdoors.
No seriously, whoever originally pitched this idea at the Loon product meeting should get an instant induction into the fly fishing hall of fame. Something so simple, so useful, so brilliantly perfect in every way. It’s like they followed the Up’North crew on a fishing trip, reviewed the footage, and designed a product based on what they felt would make our time on the water more enjoyable. The R&D for these nippers must have been priceless, how could it not be? They probably didn’t need to test them on the water, but who would pass up that opportunity? I’ve always been a fan of Loon products, but this addition tops them all. Extra wide thumb pads, hook-eye clearing needle, and…….a bottle opener. This nifty little tool is a long time coming in my neck of the woods.
- Click to purchase the Loon Outdoors “Nip N Sip” tool!
The people at Loon Outdoors undoubtedly realize that R&D doesn’t stop once your product reaches fly shop shelves. Constant testing in the harshest of environments is a necessary part of product development, and I for one would be more than willing to lend a hand in the process. What better place than northern Maine to put your gear through the necessary paces? No such place exists. Please note, I accept free samples for testing purposes. Just sayin’.
In all seriousness, this product is one of those little innovations that just seems to make sense. I commend the people at Loon Outdoors for bringing some refreshing (no pun intended) originality into the nipper department. This is sure to be a huge product for them in 2012, and is already creating a worthy buzz among industry insiders and average Joes alike. Just another “must have” tool to have handy when the Spring salmon run pops off (again, no pun intended) after ice-out.
Pray for hasty thaw!
-Ben
“Go West Young Man”
Maine is a long way from the western steelhead rivers that haunt my dreams. One day I’ll live my dream and hoist chrome for the first time, mark my words. When I do head out west to knock fly fishing for steelhead off my bucket list, I want Ian Majszak of Detonation Studios there with his camera rolling. What excited me more than the fishing in this video is the sheer camaraderie surrounding this epic fishing trip. Nothing I have ever experienced on the east coast seems to hold a candle to what you will witness in Ian’s video below. To be completely honest, I’m not sure I even know enough dedicated fly fishermen in Maine willing to organize a fishing trip of this size. Almost makes me wanna pack up and head west! Almost.
Tribute..steelhead camp from Detonation Studios on Vimeo.
Seriously though, big props to Ian for this latest video. Detonation Studios is set to have a huge year in 2012, and I for one cant wait to see what the next twelve months bring. Heres to hoping we can toss a line together someday, somewhere west of my snowy Maine home. Thanks for keeping Up’North “in the know” as you continue to drop new, inspiring material for us to enjoy.
Tight Lines,
-Ben
New From L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean has been pouring loads of R&D into their fly fishing lineup in recent years, and the Pocket Water Fly Rod and Reel are proof that their efforts are paying off. With four different options between a 6’6″ 3wt and a 7’10″ 5wt, the Pocket Water series is a beautifully affordable addition to an already attractive lineup of quality rods. Designed for small stream or pond casts of under 40 feet, this portable four piece rod is the perfect companion on your next fishing trip in the rugged north Maine woods. Combined with the simple, functional Pocket Water reel, this outfit is a lightweight answer to your backwoods prayers. Crafted out of machined 6000-series aluminum and armed with a dependable click-and-pawl drag, this reel will be right at home in the bed of a pickup or the bottom of a boat. Available separately (rod available now, reel January 16) or together as an outfit (February 24), the Pocket Water series is at the top of my list for Spring 2012. Head over to L.L.Bean now to get your first glimpse today!
- L.L.Bean Pocket Water Fly Rod & Reel
Tight Lines and Happy……Winter? Hold out for Spring by updating your arsenal!
-Ben
“Historic Routes”
For decades, rail and water were the only way to transport goods or travel in northern Maine. Winding along the Fish River, these tracks once shouldered the weight of passenger trains shuttling citizens to and from towns across Aroostook County. I can imagine my grandparents as children, their faces plastered to the windows of the moving cars, watching with excitement as log drives of the time bulldozed the banks with timber headed to area sawmills.
Time and technological advancements have changed the logging industry as well as the way we travel, in turn changing how we use area railways and rivers. The logs now travel a similar path, loaded onto the bunks of log carriers that have replaced passenger cars on Maine’s railways. These days, most wood travels by truck from Maine’s working forests directly to area mills. Rail service is scarce now, and rarely the cheapest or most time effective method of transporting lumber. Rivers play a far different role in the logging industry during modern times; typically avoided in order to protect the natural environments and the many plant and fish species that call them home. Log drives are a distant memory that very few can say they’ve seen firsthand, though signs from this historic operation can still be seen if you know where to look. Area fishermen spend more time on the water than loggers these days, casting bulky flies and lures to landlocked salmon and native brook trout that call the Fish River home. It’s no secret that my favorite river in the area is the Fish, and I can’t help but wonder what the fishing might have been like before log drives and the industrial boom of the early 20th century. I guess pictures like this one hold more history than initially meets the eye.
Happy Castings,
-Ben
Up’North Christmas Carol
So here we are again, sitting patiently at the doorstep of another Christmas. Between the weather, work, and shopping season, I’m not sure how I managed to make it this far in one piece! This last year has been full of surprises, and the Christmas season certainly has a way of putting things into perspective. More than gifts and cookies (but not much more), Christmas is a time to take stock of all that you have to be thankful for. My list is vast, encompassing everything from my first career teaching position, to that beautiful day I spent on the river during a trout frenzy in May. The road has not been without its twists and turns, but the scenery is always breathtaking.
If anything, this last year has really given me a new outlook on change. I guess I used to be somewhat naive when I returned home from college, thinking the places and people that fill my life weren’t changing in any sense of the word. The fishing never got worst, but it never really got better. Summer days on the lake never ended on a bad note, even when I managed to have “too much fun.” Even my dog never seemed to age, continuing in her relentless cycle of eat, sleep, eat, sleep.
Now that I once again call northern Maine home, the little details I had missed for nearly five years have found their way back to me quickly. The crowds are different now, new faces dot the landscapes of bridges, streams, tackle shops, and river banks. Best friends still remain, only as a more refined group of hardened locals. We laugh about the past, but work diligently towards the future, never really knowing what tomorrow might hold. Time still moves slowly in these parts, but with more purpose than I noticed before. The little things I miss about my past suddenly don’t seem so important anymore, proving once and for all that less truly can be more. In between work, early bedtime, and weekend errands, I’ve come to realize that my little place in the world is growing up with me. Like a finely aged wine, my life seems more refined on this night before Christmas. My mind is at ease, with fewer questions remaining unanswered than in earlier years. I know where I belong, and for that I am blessed and eternally grateful.
Up’North has followed a similar path as of late, not counting our usual lull during the holiday season. I must have the most patient readers in the world, because traffic has remained steady even in my numerous and prolonged absences. I think it’s fair to say that the focus has somewhat changed, and I’m at peace with that. People want original content in any shape or format, and I couldn’t be happier to oblige. At the end of the day, I draw inspiration from all corners of the globe when determining the direction of Maine Fly Castings. I would like to thank everyone who played a role in my success this year, be it through endorsements, inspiration, or any sort of contributing content. The list includes, but is certainly not limited to, the Fishing Poet Mr. Matt Smythe, brother Lipton, aka the Roughfisher, all the fellas at Chi Wulff, LOTFO, and everyone at LLBean. Ian Majszak of Detonation Studios, Nick English and all the people at Simms Fly Fishing, Ben and the rest of the clan at Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters, and any other fly fishing industry figures who have opened their arms to me and my humble website. Rhon Bell of BackwoodPlaid.com for the outstanding photography and constant support, Mr. Michael Gracie for your consistency in producing an outstanding blog that remains among my favorites, Brett Colvin and Jason Morrison for your inspiring work behind the lens, and any other blogger, writer, photographer, artist, or fishing junkie who has dropped me a line to chat, given me helpful advice, or just produced quality work that I truly enjoy.
The best part about my experience with Up’North is the people I meet and interact with along the way. If I could thank all of you in person I would, but geography can be both a blessing and a curse. I hope to chase a few fins with each and every one of you when life allows, and look forward to eventually sharing stories and drinking your beers when I visit in the near or distant future.
Merry Christmas ladies and gents, make it one for the record books.
-Ben
Changing Gears
Trust me, I’m working. The past few weeks have seen me plugging away at my laptop, trying to revamp a design that I’m not sure needed revamping to begin with. Up’North had grown sluggish, so much so that it became a hassle to post simple photos or write simple reviews. Ads made things sluggish, links failed to function, and traffic dumped due to less-than-lightning page loads. At the end of the day, I had grown tired of driving on four blown tires.
I can promise big changes for the new year, more so than what can be seen even today. To be honest, who knows if the recent changes will even stick. My goal in this transformation is to simplify the site, bringing a more rich and focused experience through writing and photography. Nothing is set in stone, but I do have some exciting ideas that I hope you’ll enjoy. For now, be patient and bare with me as I learn html, css, and how to remain calm when looking at large pages of letters and numbers. I never intended for this transformation to “simplicity” to be so complex, but I have faith that these changes will be for the better. In the meantime, I welcome your comments, suggestions, and constructive criticism.
Happy Holidays,
-Ben
Thanks, But no thanks.
-Howdy folks.
It’s been quiet the year, and this season has given me much to be thankful for that I didn’t have before. I found my way home, secured a teaching job back in northern Maine, and made some memories to last a lifetime both in the woods and on the water. 2011 didn’t find me fishing nearly as frequently, but the times I did get out were extremely successful. Luck played a big role (or the only role) in that success, but I have no problem pretending it was all raw determination and talent.
As Winter continues its devilish dance with the remaining guardians of Fall, fly fishing in northern Maine shifts gears as the season grows cold. Fly rods bow down to tying vises, reels and fly lines take a back-seat to streamer hooks, threads, and feathers. Tying is typically a relaxing way to burn a few hours (and a bottle of wine) and nothing is quiet as exciting as filling those badly depleted fly boxes for the upcoming season. Looking past the obvious benefits, sitting down at the vise also allows for abundant time to reflect on the dying year. With only one month left until we close the books on 2011, I can’t help but reflect on everything that I’ve enjoyed since November one year ago. What many people fail to realize is that joy doesn’t have to be one dimensional, and that hatred can actually bring an extremely satisfying sense of joy on many occasions. With that in mind, enjoy Up’North’s first EVER (oh yes) “Thanks, but no thanks” list. Call it what you want, but know that my opinion (while typically correct and of sane nature) is simply my opinion. You don’t have to like it (you should) or agree with me (again, you probably should) but at least by the end I’ve hopefully helped you think about what might bring you joy during this holiday season. Here. We. Go.
- Crocs — While comfortable and convenient, Crocs get a bad rap for a number of reasons, the most obvious being that they make anyone who wears them look like an idiot. Beyond being detrimental to your social life, studies show that Crocs are actually detrimental to your health and life-skills as well. Tripping becomes a frequent occurrence, and several people have reported actually losing the ability to tie their shoes or even fasten velcro.
- Easy Loops — Most fly lines come with a “quick loop” at the end to fasten a leader quickly and efficiently, but I’ve discovered that it actually hinders my fishing more than it helps. Some of my worst knots on the water have formed AT this convenient loop, and this season I finally did away with the loop altogether on all but my heaviest setups. Well-executed nail knots allow for clean, crisp presentations, and cause a minimal disturbance on the surface when picking up the line. Just snip it.
- Bemini Tippets — I hate them, very much. They knot, sometimes before they even touch the water. They don’t help me cast further, they don’t make changing tippets more convenient, and they cost 100% more than they are worth. No thanks.
- Decaf Coffee — You are an impostor. Stop tying to be something you clearly are not. You don’t even attempt to give me energy, just sitting there in the pot pretending to be your useful, delicious relative. You will never cure my headaches, you will never join me on early morning commutes, you will never enjoy morning fog on the river, or grace the dash of my pickup during hunting season. Just go away.
- Ethanol – You take up 10% of my gas, but I don’t recall inviting you to my tank. You play crude jokes on my motors, cause more harm than good when it comes to the environment because of your lengthy manufacturing process, and fail to increase my gas milage regardless of what I put you in. You eat up government subsidies that would be better wasted elsewhere, the key term here being wasted. I like corn, but would gladly give it up if it meant I would never have to deal with you again.
- Honorable mentions — Pop tarts (you make me fat), whole wheat pasta (gross), cheap fly reels (you’re a drag), machine tied flies (with love from China), unpaid vacations (time is money), pants you have to iron (usually means I’m not fishing), candy corn (tastes like?), hummus (all flavors are equally gross), and flooding (rain isn’t always a good thing).
So there you have it, short, sweet, and on the money. Feel free to add your very own in the comments section below, and remember that joy is what you make it.
Happy Holidays, and all that jolly jazz.
-Ben
Free Flowing Lies, Rhyme & Reprise
Photography by Benjamin Rioux
Early to bed and early to rise
Sipping hot coffee and making up lies
Writing raw feelings, rhyme and reprise
I’ll paint glowing pictures like rich autumn skies.
Unwind and unravel that picturesque dream
A thousand small wishes that glimmer and gleam
Outstretched like a swift flowing freshwater stream
The simplistic chaos of a more complex scheme.
Swift and unchallenged yet brazen and bold
Each jagged bend a new story is told
Rushing so freely, a sight to behold
Staying on course but still breaking the mold
A timely new lesson to learn from the wise
An irony born right in front of your eyes
It may seem to some, such a pleasant surprise
That such beauty can come, from making up lies.
A poetic mess full of rhyme and reprise,
With a stream and a dream under colorful skies
From an author, who wrote this, I’ll have you realize
After one cup of coffee, and a handful of tries.
Catch #20
Everyone knows that the big #21 is the number we all wait for, but I have a difficult time imagining that the fellas at Catch can top the photographic greatness that exists as issue #20. Highlights include a stunning feature on the color blue, another breathtaking collection of photos from Alaska (I can relate when it comes to all of those busted props), and a superb spread of British Columbia photos that will having you planning your next vacation, instead of finishing those quarterly reports. Now might be a good time to book a ticket for your boss!
So what are you waiting for? Click the cover and let the good times roll.
Click Me!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Table Scraps
Photography by Benjamin Rioux
This is Neat…I mean Fly
The folks at This is Fly have outdone themselves again, publishing yet another unbelievably print-worthy (although free is nice) product that simply swells with original content, including superb photography, tying tutorials, and much more! And just when you thought all of this new found greatness was too much to handle, they throw in a fresh new lid to keep your dome-piece warm in the crisp autumn air. Can you say swell? Just did.
Click Me!
Less False Casting
- Today I finally dusted off the fly rods and went fishing. It wasn’t a long trip by any measurement, but to say it was needed would be the understatement of the century. With only a few hours of daylight left to burn, I spent some time casting off the cobwebs and dragging on a cigar as the pond mirrored the autumn sky. The theme of the day was simplicity, and I feel like my late afternoon adventure captured that perfectly.
Nature's Mirror
No fish to speak of on this trip, at least not on the end of my line. (Here come the excuses) Typically this late in the season finds me more researched and organized, but this whole “real life” routine I’ve found myself in these past few months hasn’t left me with a ton of time for trial and error. I always have a special selection of flies for Soldier Pond….this year, not so much. I ate through my leader tying on a buffet of streamers, wets, and dry flies, getting only a few nasty flashes for my troubles. I guess it’s true what they say about getting back what you put in.
Like most return trips after a long absence on the water, my first dozen casts were anything but elegant. Throwing line off a bridge is a different game in itself, so some minor adjustments were inevitable. The one problem I’ve identified time and time again with my casting technique is with the number of times I tend to false cast. It’s almost as if I feel the need to adjust and readjust my stroke, which only compounds any errors resulting in a lackluster cast when I finally do shoot the line. I began limiting myself to no more than two or three false casts and saw immediate results in both distance and accuracy.
Thats when I started thinking about the concept false casting more than I probably should have. By now most of you non-fly fishing types are probably completely lost, but I’m pleased you’ve read this far regardless. False casts are the casts you make with a fly rod before eventually releasing line onto the water. A few false casts are almost always necessary for loading the fly rod and making lengthy casts, but how many largely depends on your technique and skill level. When I found that only a couple well executed false casts made my presentation more accurate and gave it more distance, I started to think about how I might apply my false casting theory to daily life. Less is more?
The great thing about practicing your cast is knowing that no matter how proficient you become, there is always room for improvement. Small, subtle changes can result in significant improvements, and improvements are all you can ever hope for. Practice doesn’t make perfect in fly casting, because new advancements in gear force you to continuously adjust. You get older, stronger, weaker, and are sometimes forced to adapt when conditions change or new waters present unique challenges. I’d like to think I can approach life in the same fashion, making minor adjustments while avoiding situations that might result in wasted time or energy. In short, less worrying about the minor details, and more focus on the bigger picture.
Less focus on the false cast, more on the final presentation. Sounds like a plan.
-Ben
With a Fox
The latest issue of Catch has been out for a little while now…I knew….and forgot to tell you….and for that, I apologize. It was wrong of me to keep it a secret, because it really is truly exceptional. After this issue dropped, Shauna Stephenson instantly became one of my favorite freelance photographers; and floating through Alaska found it’s way back into my dreams. Read it at home, read it at work, read it in a box, read it with a fox, read it in a house, read it with a mouse…well, you get it. Click the cover below and let the magic flow.
Click Me!
Lesson Learned
- Americans don’t need to be told why today is important, it’s not something we struggle to remember. We don’t need reminders about the cost of freedom, or the countless sacrifices of so many who’ve put country first on the front lines. We don’t need lessons on how to be American, we tow the line every day.
The freedom I enjoy.
A day that needs no year to be instantly recognized, the 10th anniversary of September 11 means many different things to many different people. After a sunrise coffee and morning mass with the family, I spent most of this bluebird day watching football and pouring myself over lesson plans for the upcoming week. This planning session took on new meaning, as I found myself struggling with an unexpected question; How do I teach my students about 9/11 when they have little to no personal memories of the attacks themselves? For my generation, it can be almost haunting to recollect the hour-by-hour events that unfolded before us on that faithful day. Personally, I can’t help but feel so utterly selfish when I think about how insignificant my problems seem when placed next to the hardships of those who have lost and given so much. If 9/11 has taught me anything, it’s that time is precious and tomorrow is always a new day. Looking back on those events now should only provide the necessary strength and courage to look ahead, and a sense of pride that comes exclusively with being an American. United we stand, defiant and bold in the face of faceless enemies.
This week I finally get to step away and visit some of my favorite fishing holes, but I do so knowing that across the world there are thousands fighting for my freedom to get out on the water. This may be a “day of remembrance,” but most American’s have remembered, and will continue to remember those lost on that day ten years ago for the rest of their lives. My students may not have vivid memories of their own, but they can all personally relate to the pride that comes with being an American citizen.
My only issue now? Americans are born with that pride, it’s not something they need to be taught.
…Square one. God Bless!
-Ben
And It Rained.
- Not much to talk about on the fishing front, record rains over the last few weeks have all but washed away any chance of a successful river trip. It started long before any hurricanes crept their way up the coast, and the relentless wrath of mother nature is showing no signs on letting up.
Cabin fever is setting in and my patience is wearing thin. With a mere 25 days left before I’m forced to hang up the rods, it’s a scary thought that the fishing may NEVER recover during our short stretch to October. I’ll never give up, but a battle of epic proportions seems imminent.
Focus.
Calling this season a wash might be an understatement, but lets reflect. Given my days on the water and my success rate, I’d hesitant to blame anything other than location and scheduling conflicts. Maybe conflicts isn’t the right word, but you get the picture. Regardless, all of this time indoors has really allowed me some freedom to dig down deep and reflect. Being home is clearly a good thing; friends, family, and a familiar environment have really taken me back to the golden years. But things are clearly different, not that different is always bad. Like I said, rain makes me think.
Years ago on a pond in the middle of nowhere I found myself in the center of a sudden downpour that I won’t soon forget. Casting quietly from a short aluminum canoe, I was taking advantage of a bright spot that fought its way through an otherwise dismal day. The season was coming to a close, the weather virtually mirrored what we’re seeing this year, and I was in desperate need of some time on the water. After about twenty minutes (and twenty jumping ghost fish) I sat puzzled as to why I wasn’t having any luck. The glassy surface said rain, but at that moment no drops were falling.
Blitz
While the brook trout danced mockingly around me, I ate through my leader changing flies until my fingers went numb. Then, as I was tying on just ONE MORE, someone turned the switch off. The surface of the pond mirrored the hardwood horizon, unbroken and eerily still. Thats when I heard it, a low rumble that seemed to be gaining steam. My instincts told me logging truck, but as the noise intensified I quickly nixed that thought. I clipped the tag on my latest knot and turned my attention to the tree line behind me. What I saw was the most magnificent, awesomely powerful wall of water I had ever laid eyes on. Like a blanket quickly covering the forest, I watched as the sheets of rain raced towards me at full sprint. I flipped my hood up and turned my shoulder as mother nature dumped buckets of water into my canoe. Relentless, unforgiving, cleansing. Time stood still as driving rain played a deafening tune on the back of my jacket. Paddle in hand, I pointed my canoe towards the cabin and the promise of dry cloths and a warm meal. Minutes later found me chatting over some drinks with a few good friends while our clothing and gear drip-dried around the wood stove.
What I experienced that day is something I’ll remember for as long as I fish, and in that long list of memories this one ranks close to the top. Sitting here today, I can honestly say that there isn’t a rainy day that goes by when I don’t think of my experience on that pond. A remote location at the end of the world, the end of my world. Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius said “No matter where you go, there you are,” and the philosophical redneck in me would have to agree. Lately, rain to me means a fresh start, a clean slate. Here I am, enjoying my little piece of heaven in the only place I know how to be truly content. Here I am, and here I’ll stay.
The sun might not always be shining, but I get along just fine in the rain.
-Ben
Assembling an Army: Fall Colors
- Fall colors for Fall fly fishing, say howdy to the ladies of Autumn! This simple, stripped down “Ghost” pattern is a go-to for me in a variety of conditions, but Fall typically finds these favorites at the front of my box. Make no mistake, these babies work wonders under the right conditions. Simply find the color your trout fancy and pound the banks. Floating line with a light leader-tippet setup is typically my winning combination, but feel free to experiment based on your home conditions!
It really can be that simple, trust me.
Army of Ghosts
Tight lines and happy September!
-Ben
When Old means New
- The last time I could call Fort Kent home and actually mean it was early September, 2006. That was the year I left the Saint John Valley for the first time in my life, before this website was ever a thought. 5 years, 3 cities, dozens of fly rods, and 2 Bachelor Degrees later, it seems this lost dog has finally found his way home.
More than half of Fort Kent still thinks i’m only home for an extended vacation, which I can certainly understand. Moving from Portland to northern Maine on just two days notice hasn’t left a ton of time for reflection or questions. Two weeks into my first full-time teaching job, I still can’t believe how quickly my life has changed. A few key, calculated decisions have planted my feet firmly in native soil, and with a little luck my time as a County boy “transplant” in various parts of Maine has finally come to an end. New memories, new career, and a new chapter. It’s hard to believe that all of my hard work has finally paid off, and I can say with confidence that even in the utter chaos and confusion that comes with being a first year teacher, it was worth every headache and hardship. The late night study sessions, missed fishing trips, and time away from home were all necessary sacrifices, and those sacrifices are without a doubt what having me sitting here today.
As I continue to make adjustments and get comfortable, things will gradually pick up around these parts and the content will start to flow at a more regular pace. Some extremely exciting times are ahead, including a foliage and fly fishing filled September, and my first full hunting season in nearly five years. More photos, new gear reviews (its a big list), trip reports, the return of the “Fly Box” page, and so much more!
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. This is a new beginning, and things can only get better from here!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Stalling
I know, I know. By now most of my regular readers are likely convinced that our planet’s earliest explorers were indeed correct: The earth is flat. While it may seem that way now, I promise you whole-heartedly that I have NOT fallen off the edge. There simple is no edge to fall from. Have no fear, your regularly scheduled programing will resume shortly. Until then, did you forget that the Maine moose hunt is right around the corner?
“Simple” B&W
A little photographic love to show that I’m still alive and very much kickin’. It’s been a slow process changing gears back here in the County. Hold tight for some big news, exciting new ventures, and a few fancy changes.
Big Brook Trout are Fly
The latest installment of This is Fly has a great feature on big brookies. Beautiful pictures, as usual. A section all about big brook trout. Species Galore. GIANT BROOK TROUT. Really swell gear features. Did I mention they have a great story and some stunning pictures of brook trout? Stunning.
Do yourself a favor and waste some time at work with the latest issue of This is Fly.
Click Me!
Giant Brook Trout,
-Ben
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