Angling oral histories, 2014-2021

Tom Morgan is the owner and founder of Tom Morgan Rodsmiths located in Manhattan, Montana. Morgan is a leader in the design and fabrication of bamboo fly rods. He was formally an owner, with Glenn Brackett, of the famed Winston Rod Company. Morgan moved to Montana from California with his family in 1946. He was about five years old when he fished for cutthroat, rainbow, and rainbow cutthroat trout. He thinks that saving records of past fishermen and historians is important because it offers so much potential as a resource. He talks about the importance of fly presentation, and sneaking up on a fish. Morgan's favorite fish to target is Brown trout, because they are harder to catch.

Bud Lilly spent his life fishing, guiding and protecting the waters of Montana where he was born and raised. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the Pacific; a teacher; and owner of Bud Lilly's Fly Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana. Lilly has been active in countless conservation efforts including the Warriors and Quite Waters Foundation. He is a member of the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. The Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University Library in Bozeman is the result of his efforts and guidance. In his interview, Lilly speaks to his love of fishing, the need to protect out native trout, and his concerns about climate change.

Esther Lilly was the National Executive Director for trout Unlimited in the mid-1980s and was also the National Executive Director for the Federation of Flyfishers. Esther was the first person to run both positions and the first woman to be director of each organization. She has been an angler for over 60 years. She grew up in Canada where she developed a love of angling. She currently resides in Three Forks, Montana, with her husband Bud Lilly. This interview highlights her appreciation for the outdoors and the stories she has gained during her life while spending it with Bud Lilly the early West.

Bob Jacklin was interviewed on December 15th of 2014. Bob is the owner of Jacklin's Fly Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana. He is a Fly Fishing Federation master caster, angling enthusiast, poet, author, and member of the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. In his interview Bob told stories of his growth as an angler, being a guide, and of his colleagues and fellow fishermen. Bob has a great love for angling, especially fly fishing and you can really grasp that from this interview. Bob has contributed his papers and other resources to the Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University, Bozeman.

A.D. Maddox, an artist, shares his love for fishing and hunting, a family tradition that includes hunting and fishing. He believes pollution and water supply are major threats to the environment, as population growth and production continue to build without regard for the finite amount of water on the planet. Maddox grew up fishing with a fishing pole and spinner rods, which he learned from his brother. Maddox enjoys fishing with a soft-spoken, patient guides. Tom Montgomery, a guide, helped him learn how to fish and set up a camera. He also worked with Bob Chuleck, who helped him go to South Island, New Zealand, to shoot and catch fish. Maddox emphasizes the importance of patience and good attitude when fishing, as well as the importance of a good guide. Maddox enjoys painting trout, with the brook trout being his favorite due to its beautiful colors. He also enjoys the scenery of the Grand Tetons, as well as the Snake River, which he has been fishing for almost 20 years. Maddox supports organizations that focus on the trout industry, conservation, and non-profits that help children or veterans. He also acknowledges that good anglers may not need photographs to paint from their imagination, as they can draw the species from their imagination. Maddox goes on to discuss his 18-year journey as an artist, focusing on trout fishing. He compares their painting process to fishing, which both are very relaxing as well as both painting and fishing to be a unique and rewarding experience.

Ed Engle is an author, fly tier, poet, and lifetime angler, born in Virgina. He has written several books including Tying Small Flies, The trout Lessons, and Splitting Cane. Ed currently resides in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and spends time writing and fishing. During his interview, he discusses his extensive background in the world of fly fishing, touching on his time as a guide and how guiding has changed over time.

John Gierach, an author and an avid angler who was born in Glenwood, Illinois, talks about the intricacies of angling and some of the experiences that he has had around the country. He describes how he has fished all over the Midwest as well as some more exotic fly fishing destinations such as Alaska and British Columbia. He mentions some of the unique fish that he has got the opportunity to catch or attempt, specifically musky and silver salmon. He spends a significant period of time talking about some of the inspirations for some of his papers and books, as well as some of the intricacies that have gone into some of his writings. His writing has had impacts on the world and fly fishing. One of his final messages is that the world is changing; enjoy It while you can.

Reed Howald, son of fly-fishing pioneer Arthur Mark Howald (inventor of the fiberglass fishing rod), shares a comprehensive oral history that spans his childhood experiences, his father's influence on fly fishing, and reflections on the sport's evolution. Reed is a retired member of the Montana State University chemistry faculty and a life-long angler. Reed has 70 years of angling experience across the US and Montana. The interview delves into the 1930s-1940s, chronicling Arthur's fishing endeavors in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, where his family built a fishing cabin and honed their skills on the Cedar and Middle Branch rivers. Throughout the interview, Reed emphasizes the family's connection to fishing, from childhood memories of catching grasshoppers with his mother to the bonding experiences with his father on fishing expeditions. Reed discusses the significance of his father's invention with its impact on the sport and his collaboration with the fishing tackle purveyor Shakespeare Company. They also talk about Reed's fishing adventures in Montana, exploring streams like Rocky Creek, the East Gallatin River, and Ben Hard Creek. During the interview they speak about the challenges of fishing in different environments, from the educational aspect of outsmarting Brown trout to the impact of fishing pressure on fish populations. Reed also touches on the global reach of Brown trout, their invasive presence in various countries, and the potential threats posed by climate change and global warming to fishing habitats.

Leigh Perkins is an author, avid sportsman, and chairman of the Orvis Company. He is quite enthusiastic about the American states' facilitation of wildlife conservation efforts: the protection and preservation of plants and animals, including fish and their host habitats. Those activities hold the promise of guaranteeing future generations continued enjoyment of the species in the natural world. According to Perkins, the public wildlife belongs to the public, and as such, the public should get involved in the management of wildlife. Perkins shares his thoughts on the value that different public leaders have added to America's nature conservancy efforts – the leaders include Governor Romney, Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter, and Dick Cheney.

Tom Alkire is an avid angler, journalist, and author who has spent a good portion of his life's work trying to answer the question, "why go fishing"? Tom has written for several periodicals, including Gray's Sporting Journal, Flyfishing and Tying Journal, and Salmon Trout Steelheader. Alkire's papers are part of the Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University Library. In this interview, Alkire speaks on matters of native fish and hatchery fish in Oregon as he is part of the Native Fish Society, located in Portland, Oregon. The organization works on sustaining and bringing awareness to native fish species all over the country. Tom also gives some advice on both outdoor writing and also advice for new, younger anglers trying to get into the sport of fishing.

In this interview with Walter Babb, he explains his deep connection to fly fishing and the importance of the mountains in shaping his fishing experience. He believes fishing is more than a hobby; it's a holistic engagement with nature. He reminisces about camping in the mountains near Great Smokey Mountain National Park as a kid with his grandfather, combining fishing with turkey hunting. Babb describes the unique aspects of mountain fishing, including the diverse habitats and behaviors of four different trout species. He then reflects on the changes over the years, from evolving fishing techniques to the increasing number of anglers. He also is concerned about the impact of climate change, particularly more frequent and prolonged droughts that can kill fish. Throughout the interview, Walter shares insights into reading water, accurate casting, and the distinct behaviors of trout species. Finally, he touches on the importance of conservation, including the efforts of Trout Unlimited and the National Park Service, which are working to ensure trout habitat is protected.

A. K. Best is a world class fly tier, angler, musician, and author. He has written several books including Fly-Fishing with A.K, Advanced Fly Tying, and A.K.'s Fly Box. Best has fished everywhere from the streams and rivers of Michigan to the waters of Colorado where he now lives just outside of Boulder. He speaks about the history of fly fishing, why he is so passionate about it, the art of fly tying, climate change, and the changes he has seen over his lifetime.

Alen Baker lives in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and is a lifelong angler in his home state and the southern Appalachian Mountains. He is a founder and the driving force behind the creation of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City, North Carolina, and served on the national board of Trout Unlimited. In this interview, he speaks about his love of angling, Trout Unlimited, native trout, climate change, and the importance of preserving wild areas and national parks.

Masako Tani is a women and an avid angler who was born in Tokyo, Japan. She moved to America twenty years ago the day of the interview. She talks briefly about the streams in Japan as well as the fish and where you can find them. The majority of her interview is spent talking about philosophical aspects of fishing such as why one would go or what may incline someone to be better and get better at it. She also shares her opinion on who will even want to fish in the first place. She is a strong believer that Japanese fisherman are better because they have more of a drive to learn and grow to get better at their crafts.

In this interview, Bear McKinney discusses a lifelong passion for angling, guiding, and casting instruction. Born and raised in the southwest United States, McKinney shares insights into his formative years spent fishing for trout in the high desert rivers and streams. As the founder of Bearly Casting, he is known for his generosity and innovative teaching methods. McKinney discusses the development of techniques that simplify casting instruction, making it accessible and understandable. Throughout the interview, Bear emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for fishing, especially among beginners. While sharing anecdotes from a 20-year guiding career, Bear touches on the challenges of guiding and the satisfaction derived from teaching newcomers.

This interview captures Dave Hughes' personal narrative on fly fishing and conservation. Hughes is an author of more than twenty books about fly fishing. He is active in conservation efforts as a speaker and fly tier, and his papers are part of the Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University Library. Hughes lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, Japanese fly-fishing writer Masako Tani. Hughes shares a transformative backpacking experience to Big Indian Creek, Oregon, during a storm, leading to the publication of the book "Big Indian Creek." Hughes shares insights into fly tying, emphasizing the beauty of impressionistic flies and the unique versatility of the Woolly Bugger pattern. The conversation touches on surprises and challenges in fly fishing, with the importance of observation and adapting to evolving fishing patterns. Hughes speaks on environmental changes, stressing the need to record and preserve unique landscapes and protect native fish populations. Fond memories of his father's influence on his love for fly fishing are shared, which emphasizes how angling has shaped him as a writer. Hughes has a passion for conserving native cutthroats and their habitats, advocating for strict measures to protect their unique evolution. The discussion continues into Hughes' opposition to the construction of fish ladders on the Columbia River for non-native Steelhead, talking about the delicate balance required in ecosystem preservation.

Tucker Ladd is a guide, fly tier, and casting instructor and owner of Trouts Fly Fishing in Denver, CO. Ladd was born and raised in Colorado and on the waters of the state. He was recently elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Fly Fishing Trade Association. He was raised in an outdoor-loving family and went hunting as a child before switching to fly fishing for his high school years. It was mostly thanks to his brother that he became interested in fly fishing. He highlights fly fishing's significant influence on his life, both personally and professionally. He covers a wide range of fly fishing topics during the talk, from the value of fishing with friends on the water to his favorite locations, such as Cheesman Canyon. His viewpoint on environmental concerns affecting the fly fishing industry is discussed in the interview, along with the dangers it faces and the function of groups like Trout Unlimited. He discusses issues like crowding in well-liked fishing spots as he muses on the shifting nature of the sport. Ladd provides insights into the ever-changing fly-fishing industry, addressing everything from industry trends to difficulties faced by specialty retailers. He discusses how specialty retail is evolving and highlights the importance of value-driven strategies in a cutthroat industry. He also talks about how consumer preferences are changing, especially for millennials, and how social media is affecting in-person interactions with clients.

Bud Lilly spent his life fishing, guiding and protecting the waters of Montana where he was born and raised. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the Pacific; a teacher; and owner of Bud Lilly's Fly Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana. Lilly has been active in countless conservation efforts including the Warriors and Quite Waters Foundation. He is a member of the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. The Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University Library in Bozeman is the result of his efforts and guidance. In his interview, Lilly speaks to his love of fishing, the need to protect out native trout, and his concerns about climate change.

Jim Schollmeyer, an author and avid fly fisherman, first sparked his interest in fly fishing on the upper Missouri in Montana. Once hooked, he began fishing more of the west coast rivers and even traveled abroad to learn more about the unique aspects of fishing. Schollmeyer is very knowledgeable about fly fishing, fly patterns, and hatches. He speaks in depth about what type of patterns he has used in the past for specific rivers and for specific fish. He believes that fly tying is an art, and describes fly tying with a rigorous passion.

John Judy is the author of several books on fly fishing including Slack Line Strategies for Fly Fishing. Judy was a guide on the Deschutes River in Oregon for over 20 years and has written and studied the waterway for decades. Judy is an avid angler and states that he tends to target the fish that are a challenge in that moment. Judy is a very spiritual man and brings that spirituality and perspective into this interview and his angling. Judy truly cares for the future of angling and fisheries and seeks to teach and inform others about his knowledge and perspectives.

Matt Kulp talks about his work protecting rivers and streams over a 29,000 mile National Park. He highlights how special it is to fish for real, wild trout populations in the Smoky Mountains. Matt talks about issues like invasive species and the destruction of habitat brought on by development. He emphasizes how critical it is to preserve the spirit of adventure in fishing and cultivate in anglers an appreciation for nature. The interview provides valuable insight into changing angler demographics, fishery management, and striking a delicate balance between conservation efforts and preserving enjoyable fishing experiences.

Todd Koel was born and raised in Minnesota but now resides in Wyoming. Koel describes the issues around removing non-native lake trout from Yellowstone Lake to facilitate the recovery of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and emphasizes the ongoing need for new and innovative methods. He also details his concerns about a potential decline in angler numbers due to societal changes. Koel proposes to aims to address this through his efforts to reintroduce native cutthroat trout in many of their old habitats, helping create more opportunities for families and kids to experience fishing. Throughout the interview, he mentions the significance of preserving native fish populations in Yellowstone National Park, considering several challenges such as climate change and limited funding. Koel concludes by emphasizing the importance of Yellowstone National Park due to its position at the headwaters of so many rivers, and how keeping it healthy can improve the health of other places as well.

Ray Ball is a lifelong angler, hunter, and outdoorsman who lives outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He has fished and been an avid outdoorsman in and around the Appalachian Mountains and Smokey Mountain National Park since he was a child. In this interview, he talks about fly tying, fishing with people like Joan Wulff, and how important angling and hunting have been in his life.

Ron Beane explains his lifetime story of fishing, starting with how he grew up learning to fly fish with his grandfather in North Carolina, and then moving into the reasons for writing his book, Fly Fishermen of Caldwell County: North Carolina Life Stories. Beane explains what his book contains, who helped him write it, and the comments he has received after writing it. He details the type of fly fisherman he enjoys to fish with and how he tries his hardest to emulate that ideal fisherman. Beane also describes the ways in which he has experienced the fly fishing world changing for the better, as well as the issues that have developed during his time on the water and potential problems that are continuing to surface.

Steve Moore, the former Supervisory Fishery Biologist at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was born and raised in Tennessee. Moore dedicated his career to mentoring young fisheries biologists, including notable individuals like Matt Kulp. He discusses his role in the restoration and preservation of native trout habitats within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, particularly focusing on his efforts to foster the growth of pristine and healthy populations of native Brook trout. Moore explains the defining characteristics of these habitats and the challenges involved in their conservation. His passion for environmental stewardship and commitment to the park's biodiversity shine through as he discusses achievements, family, educational background, and his extensive experience as a Supervisory Fishery Biologist. While the interview primarily centers around his contributions to fisheries biology, Moore also touches on other aspects of his life.

Mary Kay Watry is a conservation biologist at Rocky Mountain National Park, and represents the park on the greenback cutthroat trout recovery team. The team focuses on conserving the health and biodiversity of the species in the park. The greenback was listed as endangered prior to 1978, at which point it was downlisted to threatened. Keeping native species in the park is the highest priority, but the park will never be able to get rid of the nonnative species entirely. Any stocking of higher elevation lakes must be done consciously and deliberately, in order to not compromise other species in the ecosystem. Climate change and water quality issues all can affect cutthroat. Though species have adaptive capacities, with changes that occur rapidly, they will not be able to adjust quickly enough. Fish are particularly vulnerable due to their limited mobility. Conservation agencies are now better at recognizing threats, and have a better understanding of native species and native ecosystems. Watry hopes fishing continues to be a part of our American cultural heritage.

Rick Hafele, also known as "Bug Man", is one of the world's leading trout entomologists. Hafele has written several books including the recent children's book, My Life as a Mayfly. Hafele has been an avid angler for over 50 years, beginning with fishing and observing insects as a child. He worked as an entomologist for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, helping the state better understand and protect the trout habitat. In this interview, he discusses how being an author and a fly fisherman both require ample observation skills. Hafele comments on how organizations, such as trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers International (FFI), are important because they are recruiting fishermen to observe the progress of projects after they have been completed for various durations of time, a necessary task that does not often get performed. Hafele believes climate change is the biggest threat to trout fisheries.

Annette grew up in one of the most prominent angling and fly fishing families in the world. Her father, mother, and brothers have been shop owners, guides, and casting instructors at her father's store, Bud Lilly's Fly Shop, which was located in West Yellowstone, MT. She holds the distinction of being one of the first licensed female guides in the state of Montana. She shares a number of unique viewpoints of being one of the earliest women that was heavily involved in the sport of fly fishing.

Beau McFadyean has been fishing in Montana for over 30 years. He has a strong connection to his family and is a member of the Blackfeet tribe. McFadyean's outfitting business has been successful due to offering different locations and the ability to target different species, such as rainbows and pike. He emphasizes the importance of collecting history and sharing it with others to build and develop skills. McFadyean discusses the challenges of fishing, such as overfishing and overcrowding, and the importance of conservation in the industry. He also speaks about the challenges of being a guide in Montana and the difficulty of competing with big businesses. He acknowledges the technology in fly fishing, which has allowed businesses advertise more as well as make fly fishing more accessible, but also emphasizing the need to diversify the sport by introducing it to people from inner cities.

Bill Bakke, an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, talks about some of his experiences with fishing and conservation throughout his life and throughout the country. He has been a very intricate part of many conservation efforts both in Oregon and around the Pacific Northwest. He talks about some of the efforts that he has observed throughout the country and the impacts they have had as well as whether they were beneficial or not. He delves into some of the practices that he uses to inspire some of his reform as well as the background that goes into them. He also talks about how reading is very important and a basis for a lot of knowledge and conservational basis.

Charlie Craven is the owner of Charlies Fly Box in Denver, Colorado. He is also the author of several books on fly tying and has been tying commercial flies since he was twelve years old. During this interview, he spoke about running a fly shop, his love of angling, and his adventures fishing in Colorado, Mexico, and Belize.

Craig and Jackie Matthews discuss the significance of fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park, its history, and its connection to environmental quality. They comment on the beauty of Slough Creek and the Firehole River fishing experience and emphasize the importance of sharing appreciation and learning at any age. They go on to discuss the impact of climate change on fisheries and the need for more game wardens as well as support from the environmental community. They also highlight the importance of giving back to public resources and businesses in conservation efforts. They go on to talk about their experience on the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, their love for fly fishing, and the challenges of achieving a wild and scenic quarter river designation. They mentions their favorite fishing spots and important people in the fly fishing and outdoor communities which includes Nic Lyons, Paul Schullery, Vince Marinello, Gary La Fontaine, and Berlin Klink. They detail the benefits of staying involved in the sport as well the importance of education and learning from others in the fly fishing world and the significance of Jimmy Carter and fly fishing personalities like Herb Wellington and Vern Gallup.

Dan Wenk has been the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park since 2011. He joined the park service in 1975, after graduating from Michigan State University. He has served in several positions, including as the Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Park. Dan is a lifetime angler, and has been a tireless fighter for preserving the parks species and waterways. Dan seeks to restore some places in the park to how they were historically by restoring the native fish populations. The protection of native fish under his watch has been groundbreaking, and those who want to see cutthroats and graying thriving in their original waters owe him thanks. Wenk gave the 2014 MSU Library Trout and Salmonid Lecture.

As a young fisheries biologist, Dick Vincent fought to conduct studies on the effect of stocking fish and discovered the negative impact they had on native populations. As a result of his work, Montana no longer stocks hatchery trout in waters where natives exist. Vincent is also a lifelong angler who grew up fishing the waters of Montana and the west. Dick talks abut his work on whirling disease, the elimination of stocking hatchery trout, and his lifelong love of angling.

Doug Swisher is a Hamilton, Montana, resident and the author of several books. One, Selective trout, has been called one of the most important books written on angling and trout behavior. He is a skilled and innovative fly tier who has likely tied more flies for commercial use than nearly anyone else alive except his wife Sharon. He shares his experiences of how he came to be so well versed in the fly fishing world as well as all the ways he met fellow legendary fly fishermen.

Frank Amato is an enthusiastic writer, author, and publisher who is keen on fishing stories. He leads Frank Amato Publications, which is one of the leading publishers of angling and sporting books and periodicals in the United States. Frank draws lots of pleasure from Steelhead fishing and Steelhead fishing stories. In the interview, Frank suggests that flies work quite well as baits for catching Steelhead – aggressive fish appear to have a great liking for flies when caught. Frank has been fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest of the United States for quite some while now– he started fly fishing on one of the Clackamas River's tributaries when he graduated from college. He has since published many manuscripts, most of them focusing on fishing, from different people.

Glenn Brackett lives in Butte, Montana, and is the founder of Sweetgrass Rods and one of the former owners of Winston Rods. He is one of the top designers and manufactures of bamboo rods in the world. Brackett is a lifelong angler and enjoys passing that love down to his grandchildren whenever he has an opportunity. In this interview, he speaks about climate change, the art of making bamboo rods, his love of fishing in Montana, and his concerns for the future.

Gregg Messell is an ardent angler, fly tier, and committed conservationist. Gregg's influence extends globally, with experiences in fishing for trout, Salmon, and various other species. His noteworthy contributions include a substantial collection of rare fishing books and materials donated to the MSU Library. Instrumental in the growth of this oral history initiative, as well as the expansion of print and archival collections, Gregg stands as a tireless advocate. His unwavering commitment is evident. Gregg shares a longstanding friendship and fishing camaraderie with Bud Lilly. Throughout the interview, Gregg's insights and perspectives provide insights on experiences in the world of angling, conservation, and literary contributions.

Jim Lichatowich is the author of the award-winning book Salmon without Rivers: A History of the Pacific Salmon Crisis. He has worked on Pacific salmon issues as a researcher, manager, and scientific advisor for more than forty years. He has served many years on the Independent Scientific Advisory Board for the Columbia River salmon restoration program, the state of Oregon's Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team, and on other independent scientific review panels in British Columbia and California. Lichatowich grew up spending much of his time outside, which led to his love of nature. Fishing just happens to provide a great sport and hobby that has all that he is looking for. He shares his disappointment in the decline of youth anglers, which he had wished to help combat, as well as for the seeming lack of education and outreach that state agencies could be doing.

Joan Wulff's interview provides a detailed account of her life and contributions to the world of fly fishing. Wulff, who is also known as the First Lady of Fly Fishing, has been casting since she was a schoolgirl in 1937. She married Lee Wulff, and they started the Wulff School of Fly Fishing together. Joan has written several books on fly fishing and produced DVDs. She was inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame in 2007. Beginning with her childhood in Paterson, New Jersey, where her father's outdoor store ignited her passion for fishing, the interview traces her journey from competitive casting, overcoming gender stereotypes, to her career in the angling world. Wulff's experiences range from her adventures in Newfoundland, fishing for giant bluefin tuna, to her collaboration with Lee Wulff, and their fishing escapades across the globe. The interview touches on the challenges faced by women in fly fishing, including the lack of suitable gear and societal norms. Environmental concerns become a focal point as Wulff discusses her involvement with the Atlantic Salmon Federation as well as threats to Atlantic salmon, addressing issues like overfishing, climate change, and the impact of farmed salmon. During the interview, Wulff's commitment to teaching and her role in developing fly-casting techniques are highlighted. The evolution of fly-fishing instruction, challenges in promoting women's participation, and changing dynamics in the sport are also touched on. Wulff has a passion for conservation, teaching, and dedication to passing on the tradition to future generations.

In this interview John Porter talks about his relationship with Bud Lily, his time being a bus tour guide in Yellowstone National Park, his time serving in WWII, how hunting and fishing has changed in Montana, and his time at Montana State University where he obtained a degree in electrical engineering. Porter knew Lilly from being friends with him in West Yellowstone and even helped him out with starting his legendary fly shop. Porter never worked directly in the shop or guide, but he was a teacher and during summer months would drive buses all around Yellowstone National Park talking about how the park has not changed as much as we would think, besides traffic in the park and the bear populations. Porter later talks about the hunting and fishing opportunities around Montana and how people with big money buying large ranches are ruining the culture within the state. Porter grew up hunting and fishing with his father and later talks about the fishing around West Yellowstone and all the rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout that he would catch.

Kyle Wilkinson is the Outfitting Manager at trout's Fly Fishing in Denver, Colorado, as well as one of their fly-fishing guides. Wilkinson is a lifelong angler who has fished all across the U.S. for trout, Salmon, bass, and nearly anything that is a challenge. He was named trout Bum of the Week by Orvis in December 2015. In the interview, Wilkinson shares stories from various fishing trips, talking especially about the camaraderie, joy, and sense of purity associated with the sport. The interview goes through diverse fishing locations, with a focus on the Big Horn River and the Madison River in Montana, showcasing the importance of cultural and geographical contexts in shaping fishing experiences. Wilkinson discusses the shift from conventional to fly fishing, the impact of catch-and-release practices, and the evolving fishing culture influenced by fellow anglers. He also talks about economic considerations and the role of social media in promoting awareness and responsible fishing. Throughout the conversation, Wilkinson highlights the threats to water resources and the balance between increasing demand, environmental preservation, and sustainable fishing practices. Despite these challenges, he feels optimism about the growing interest in fly fishing among the younger generation, seeing it as an opportunity for increased awareness and conservation efforts.

Lefty Kreh is accomplished in almost all things related to angling. He was a journalist and served in the army in WWII helping to liberate Nazi concentration camps. Kreh was an angler, writer, fly tier and one of the world's best long distance casters. During the interview, he showed me some photos I have seen including one of him, Earnest Hemingway and Fidel Castro fishing together. He spoke about the changes he has seen in angling and angling opportunities, the importance of getting kids involved in the sport, and told some fishing tales. Lefty was a legend and his friends, like Tom McGuane, Bud Lilly, and Mike Hayden all have shared humorous and inspirational stories about him.

Richard Parks has been involved in the business of fly fishing since he was a child. His father opened Parks Fly Shop in Gardiner, MT, in 1953. He has been tying flies since he was 12 years old and took over the business after his father passed in 1970. He is an avid angler and author of Fishing Yellowstone National Park. In this interview, Parks shares his thoughts on what informs and motivates his writing. Particularly, he writes to grow the existing body of literature on the meaning of fishing. According to Parks, one's appreciation of fishing may not be limited to an understanding of what fish are or limited to an understanding of fishing events. He describes the lives and works of various famous fly tiers, including John Barr, Andre Pooley, and Whitlock. Parks says that such fly tiers have greatly impacted the way flies are presented.

Scott Richmond is lifelong angler, fly tier, and conservationist. He is the author of several books on fly fishing and angling in Oregon's waters. Richmond is the former editor of The Riverkeeper newsletter, and founder, editor, and publisher of the website Westfly. In this conversation he talks about conservation issues including hatchery fish in the northwest United States, dams, and poaching. He also talks about his writing.

Ted Rogowski worked as an attorney for the US Environmental Protection Agency for most of his career and was instrumental in helping to protect against challenges to laws protecting our wild areas. He was a close friend of Lee Wulff and has been a lifetime angler and sportsman. Ted has also been a generous contributor to the Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University, Bozeman. In this conversation, Ted primary tells the story of founding the Theodor Gordan Fly Fishers which later became the Federation of Fly Fishers. He also speaks about conservation politics and policies in general expresses some dismay at the falling numbers of some fly-fishing organizations. But he expresses optimism about organizations like the Boy Scouts of America getting young people interested in fishing and conservation.

Thomas McGuane is an author and fly fisherman from Wyandotte, Michigan. McGuane shares stories about his favorite fly, the Parachute Adams, and recalls fishing adventures in rivers like the Boulder and Yellowstone in Montana. Throughout the interview, he talks about the evolving art of fly tying and the important connection between anglers and fisheries. McGuane's bond with Montana, his home for nearly 50 years, is discussed in great detail. He talks about the challenges of writing about fishing, stressing the importance of conveying the experience rather than technical details. Environmental concerns, such as global warming and habitat loss, are explored. The interview touches on McGuane's fishing companions, including Lefty Kreh, and his interactions with diverse communities in the Bahamas and South America.

Bruce James was interviewed on August 9th of 2016. Bruce is the office manager at Grand Teton Fly Fishing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Bruce has been a guide of the local rivers for more than 20 years. He is an avid angler and has an extensive knowledge of the local fisheries, as well as being a long-time fly tier, having tied and sold thousands of patterns. Bruce believes that sometimes it is more about getting away from the chaos rather than catching the biggest or best fish. He states sometimes going to a small creek in the middle of the mountains is more enjoyable than fishing the big rivers.

James Woods has served as an environmental attorney for both the United States and the state of New York, helping to protect our rivers and wild areas for decades. He has been an avid angler and fly tier since his youth and a longtime member of the board of trustees for the American Museum of Fly Fishing. During the interview Woods reflects on the history of fly fishing and stresses the importance of understanding the sport's roots. The conversation delves into fly fishing in Montana, particularly Odell Spring Creek, highlighting unique features. Woods advocates for mentors that introduce beginners to the broader aspects of fly fishing, encompassing literature and museum collections. Stressing the urgency of addressing threats like global warming and deteriorating pollution infrastructure, he shares personal encounters with fishing regulations and applauds grassroots organizations for habitat preservation efforts. Regarding diversity in fly fishing, Woods advocates for efforts to bring people from various backgrounds into the sport, suggesting that organizations like trout Unlimited and major retailers could play a role in this. Woods recalls influential writers in fly fishing, mentioning Henry Plunkett Greene, William Scripps, and especially Nick Lyons' book "Spring Creek." The conversation touches on the importance of preserving areas with native brook trout and addresses the challenges posed by invasive species. Shifting to his professional background as a prosecutor specializing in environmental issues, he discusses the major environmental concerns in the late 1980s and 1990s. Woods provides insights into hazardous waste prosecutions, water pollution cases, and his involvement in addressing environmental issues. The conversation concludes with Woods career trajectory, emphasizing his initial interest in outdoor writing and eventual transition to environmental law due to a desire to make a positive impact on the environment.

John Bailey shares his personal journey through time as a fly fisherman, tracing family history as well as the evolution of the sport. He talks about his father's fly-fishing mastery in Kentucky and making trips to various locations like Bennett Springs and the Catskills. Bailey then goes into the intricacies of fly tying. He talks about Montana's significance as a fly fishing destination, mentioning its diverse waters and the impact of popular culture, including movies like "A River Runs Through It." Bailey expresses his concerns about declining youth interest in fishing and the outdoors and talks a lot about the importance of education in preserving the sport. Throughout the interview, he touches on environmental issues like dams and irrigation, the shift to catch-and-release practices, as well as an evolving fishing culture. Ultimately, he believes in the importance of fishing communities, especially the need to pass on the skill of fly fishing to future generations.

Gary Tanner, a scientist and former director of the American Museum of Fly Fishing, was born in 1950. In this interview, he answered a few questions about fly fishing and about himself and his experience. Gary talked a lot about his experiences salmon and trout fishing in Canada, specifically near Quebec and the Maritimes. He talked about his experience and the importance of conservation efforts in that area. He mentions some of his contacts as well, specifically some of the fly tyers he has met along with some of the major names in fly fishing who he has befriended over the years such as Bud Lilly. He talks a lot about his experience with the Miramichi River, Lake, and Bay, as well as the conservation efforts that he is a part of as a member of the Miramichi Salmon Association Board on both the US and Canadian sides of the river. One of the main foci of his interview is that he believes in order to keep our world's nature living and healthy it's crucial that the younger generations become interested in the outdoors and above all conservation and preservation.

Rich Norman grew up in Vermont near the Batten Kill River and got into fly fishing through reading stories of his dad overseas during World War II. His parents got him and his brother a fishing rod when he was very young. Norman talks about his passion for fishing and shares memories of fishing with his fishing partner. He also tells a story of fishing with someone who lied about the size of their fish, claiming a 16 inch fish to be an 18 inch fish. Norman is involved with several organizations that do habitat work and tells of a time that a homeowner clear cut his land to have a view of the Green River, destroying local habitat. He was able to clear it up with the homeowners and replant the cut areas. He worries about climate change and whether or not scientists actually agree that it is a problem. Norman has spent time restoring trout habitats in streams by creating log structures and burying them in the steam beds, giving the trout a chance to survive. Norman talks about the growing interest in fly fishing, how there are more women and people of color on the water. He talks about preserving the gene pool for native fish and protecting them. Norman also says that he is a good fly tyer and while he cannot tie the best fly, he can tie one good enough to get by and catch fish. He says fly fishing is Kismet, his destiny.

Sharon Swisher is an avid angler and an skillful fly tier. She and her husband Doug have been on the cutting edge of fly tying for decades though using experimental patterns and new innovative materials. She explains her time fishing as a child and how her appreciation and enjoyment of fly fishing changed through meeting Doug. Sharon and her husband lived in Hamilton, Montana, at the time of this interview, and can often be found fishing the waters around their home.

Adriano Manocchia shares their love for fly fishing and art through this interview. They grew up in New York City and moved to a small agricultural community in New Jersey, where they enjoy fishing for small streams. Manocchia appreciates the serenity and peacefulness of fly fishing and the importance of studying surroundings for his paintings. He does discuss the decline in fishing quality and the challenges faced by rivers, such as farm runoff, poaching, climate problems, and mergansers. Manocchia emphasize the importance of respecting the river and its resources, learning about the history of fishing, and patience when fishing with younger people. Manocchia discusses in depth on his approach to photography, focusing on understanding light, geography, and water flow to create paintings. He also states the importance of apprenticeship programs and that artists need to learn their trade if they want to do it professionally. He talks about the lack of young people participating in fishing activities in their local schools. Throughout the interview Manocchia talks about the beauty of Yellowstone National Park. They hope the park will continue to save resources and improve the environment in the future.

Nathaniel Reed's commitment to protecting the environment becomes clear in this interview. He served as the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior for presidents Ford and Nixon and played a key role in the negotiation and passage of many of the United States most crucial federal environmental laws and treaties, including the Endangered Species Act. Reed has won countless awards including the first Bob Graham Center of Public Policy Award as Florida's Citizen of the Year. He tells the story of how he first got into fly fishing visiting is grandmother in Colorado and his favorite flies and the joy of good casting. He speaks a lot on the importance of education, political advocacy, and diversifying the fishing community.

Sumantha Ghosh is a conservationist, and true outdoorsman with over 15 years of experience in Jim Corbett National Park in India. His task there is to work on how to preserve the park for future generations. Throughout his piece he talks about some of the paradigm shifts that have been happening in India that are usually a bad sign as well as some shifts that are actively causing strife within the country along with concern for the future environment. He also talks about his experience fishing along with his opinion on it. One thing he mentions is that in India specifically, fishing is one of the only ways you can actually get close to and often touch wildlife in the country. Due to the issues that India has experienced with their wildlife and human population, the rules that are active within India are rather restrictive and hands off when it comes to animals. His focus throughout the interview is sharing and preserving land so all can enjoy it throughout the generations and throughout the world.

Paroiya Sanjeev offers ample insights into his life in the fishing industry in India, in which he has played different roles. For instance, Sanjeev has been an angler. has also engaged in fly fishing. He offers important insights into the different dynamics defining angling. Angling is a frequently utilized fishing method that utilizes fish hooks connected to fishing lines. The fish hooks are geared towards tethering individual fish, particularly in the mouth, and fishing lines are typically manipulated through fishing rods, even though rod-less methods like hand-lining are sometimes used. Sanjeev offers ample insights into bait fishing, too. Sanjeev makes his observations principally from a naturalist's viewpoint.

Ritish Suri is biologist, naturalist, conservationists, and eco-tourism guide from India. He has an incredible sense of humor and knowledge of wildlife and the ecology of Jim Corbett National Park and the surrounding area. At one point the interview was interrupted because a leopard was prowling near his home on the out skirts of the national park. He talks about how fish are an important part of the ecosystem of the rivers and the rivers in turn are the lifeblood of the entire environment. While he is eternally optimistic he has grave concerns about pollution and the effects of climate change.

Pritam Singh Pundis is the manager of Himalayan Outback Lodge and is a native of the Himachal Pradesh region, growing up with the same village as fishing guide Bobby Sighn. Pritam holds an advanced mountaineering certification from the Atal Bihari Vajpaiee Mountaineering Institute. He is a dedicated naturalist who enjoys observing birds, fish, and mammals in their natural habitats. Pritam also loves the fight of a fish on a fly rod, and describes some of his experiences on the Lupin River and Corbet National Park. One major hope that Pritam has for his village and India is the hope for a cleaner environment and more environmental protection for the rivers and a protection against the pollution problem in the country.

Pramesh Shrestha is an avid angler, conservationist, guide, and all-around lover of rivers and the bounties they hold. A previous British major, Shrestha founded a fishing club in Nepal around 2010. This club is called the Nepalese Anglers Club, which focuses on the catch and release of fish as a sport, the only of its kind in Nepal. Shrestha explains the effect angling has on his community, and how he is trying to bring an element of environmental sustainability to the Nepalese fishing community. Through his personal experiences, he discusses the significance angling has to his life.

Alam Soni, a local fishing guide from a village on the outskirts of Jim Corbett National Park, is one of the most celebrated fishing guides in all of India and is an expert on the rivers near his village. He is a dedicated guide who uses the natural setting, insects, and flow if the river to determine where and how he suggests clients, which include Jeremy Wade, try their luck. Fishing has made a large impact on his life, and he loves teaching clients how to fish

Amit Verma is the director of Jim Corbett National Park, located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand state in India. During his interview he talks about the park and about some of the details that go into maintaining the park as well as some of the aspects of the park that need reform. He mentions that the park has a mandated carrying capacity as well as how what they are doing is really working because they have the highest density of tigers in the world. He also talks about the population of India and specifically his district as well as how it has impacted wildlife. His final note was that in order to truly protect nature you have to really appreciate it, get outside and enjoy nature one on one.

Bobby Sighn Sadpal is an acclaimed guide, angler, and naturalist working with Himalayan Outback Lodge. He has had an interest in angling from a young age and credits Misty Dhillon with teaching him to fly fish. He explains that fishing used to be uncommon in India, but is gaining popularity. He speaks of the importance of maintaining wild areas in India, the threat of pollution, and the changes he has seen in climate over the years.

Chandan is the founder of Rogue Anglers, which offers guided fishing adventures all across India. He is a dedicated naturalist and angler with a passion for helping the less fortunate in India. Some projects he is passionate about include developing sustainable angling communities and helping impoverished women become economically self-supporting as fly tiers. In this interview, he reflects on how there are not many people who flyfish in India, but that the sport is gaining popularity. He also discusses the importance of catch and release, but says that this sustainable practice isn't widely accepted or implemented in India. He also operates the only catch and release carp pond in all of India! Gupta explained how vital tourism is to the conservation efforts of the fish biodiversity in India.

Karnvir SaranDas is the owner and manager of Mahaseer Fishing Camps in the village of Jhargoan, India. He is an avid conservationist and advocate of protecting rivers and native fish species, including the Indian trout. His camps cater to anglers seeking mainly Goonch and Mahseer. During the interview, Karnvir speaks to the obstacles facing his industry and the future of conservation in the angling community.

Adam Zins is an artist from Wisconsin who focuses on aquatic insects, fish, and wildlife, stating that it is the smallest things that are the most beautiful when you take the chance to look at them. Adam is an advocate for keeping nature healthy and introducing new people and the next generation into angling and exploring the outdoors.

Randy Berndt lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is a guide, teacher, angler, and conservationist. He runs a guide service called U.P. Fly Angler and is the only licensed fishing outfitter in the Ottawa National Forest. He talks about growing up in Michigan and fishing the local streams, rivers, and Lake Superior; the effects of climate change; and the need to better protect and manage our wild places.

Craig is a manager at Fontana Sports in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a lifelong anger who grew up fishing the waters of the dairy state and across the Midwest. Craig's work allows him to travel and do product presentations at fly fishing expos and events across the country. In this interview, Craig talks about his start in fishing as a kid catching perch, bluegill and all types of panfish. At the age of eleven, he got his first fly rod and he was hooked. Craig's love for fly fishing would later take him to West Yellowstone, Montana, where his first mentor, Bob Jacklin, jump started his career in the fly fishing industry.

David Jacobson has fished primarily in the drift-less area of Wisconsin for Smallmouth Bass and trout. David and his brothers founded Outdoor Professionals and helped invent the Dragonfly Rod Holder which is a little belt clipped rod holder. He is hoping to bring more innovations to the fly-fishing industry and also to get new people into fishing.

April Archer has fishing in her lineage: her great grandparents would fish for food. She states the importance of nature for humanity and how there are physical and mental benefits from spending time outside. April also preaches that the inclusion of fly fishing is so important for it to continue to grow as a sport and hobby. She is passionate about spreading fly fishing to the youth and showing the younger generation of anglers what it is all about. April talks about her love for Brook trout and, being that she lives in Colorado, is surrounded by them in the local streams and rivers. Now, she has started a company called Sarah Vella fishing, where they build fly rods specifically for women anglers. They have grown woman angling by giving woman the opportunity to have select products and options in the products they buy. They can customize the rods to be a specific length, weight, and color. April also touches on how important nonprofits and organizations that support fly fishing and teaches wildlife conservation. She is also not opposed to the growth of outdoor enthusiasts and states it's everybody's responsibility to take care of our outdoors.

Tom Wendelburg is a lifelong angler and a tireless advocate for protecting trout habitats. He is the author of Catching Big Fish and Light Fly Tackle and multiple articles on angling and trout. Tom is an accomplished photographer and innovative fly tier. He has fished extensively in Idaho, Montana, and across his home state of Wisconsin. Tom talks about the importance of protecting native fish and our western fisheries as well as his lifelong passion for angling.

Jill Kana shares her fly fishing journey, shaped by childhood memories on Lake George, Colorado. She describes getting up early at her family's cabin to fish. After catching her first bullhead, her passion for fishing really took root. Kana is the Denver Outfitters content marketer and is concerned with getting more people into fly fishing. She advocates for increased accessibility in fly fishing, urging the industry to become more inclusive, especially for minorities and women. Also managing the Fly Gal Friday program, she helps to include more women in fly fishing and to share their stories. Her advice to aspiring anglers involves taking guided trips, learning from others, and being an environmental advocate. Kana also shares her concerns about environmental impact under the Donald Trump presidential administration, particularly in sensitive trout habitats. She then shares her favorite fishing spots like the Blue River in Colorado, while including her aspirations for future adventures in Alaska and Belize. Finally, Kana encourages people to contribute to the protection of natural resources in any way they can, highlighting the collective responsibility of preserving habitats for future enjoyment.

Jack Dennis is an angling legend. He is a longtime guide in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming, an advocate for protecting fisheries and rivers, and author of the Western trout Fly Tying Manual, which is one of the most popular books ever written on fishing in the West. Jack has fished all over the world, and in conversation, he related tales from New Zealand, South America, and across the United States. He explains in great detail the process that went into writing his books, and how fishing has given him many lifelong friendships. These friendships helped Jack get into high places, such as the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC. Jack currently lives in Utah and serves as the chair of the Intermountain Wasatch Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Expo. Jack ends the interview by giving advice to the future generation of fisherman. He says to make fly fishing a hobby, not a job, so that you can afford the financial side. Jack also says that the best thing to do to get better at fishing is "practice, practice, practice".

Jim Klug of Oregon, a renowned filmmaker and angler, talks about his remarkable career in the world of fly fishing. Klug is the founder and CEO of Yellow Dog Flyfishing, a business in Bozeman, MT, that arranges flyfishing trips to exotic locations around the globe. Klug is an avid angler himself and has fished some of the most pristine waters on earth. He has written for several publications including USA Today, The Drake, and Fly Fish Journal. From Yellowstone's backcountry to navigating the Big Horn and Oregon's remote locales, He nearly covers the globe from the jungles of South America to Pakistan to Kamchatka. Klug explains the evolving demographics of fly fishing, mentioning the growing importance of young people getting outdoors. He then talks about the significance of historical collections, such as the extensive salmonid collection at Montana State University Library, highlighting their importance in preserving the history of angling. Jim also emphasizes the role of mentors in passing on the love of fishing, including his own experience with his grandfather, who wrote fishing columns. He ends the interview with a reflection on the power of fishing, breaking cultural barriers, and the mutual respect shared among anglers worldwide.

This interview was with several members of the Colorado Women Flyfishers organization in Denver. The interviewees include Rheana Gavagan, Colorado Women Flyfishers President; Craige Stainton, Past President, Charter Member; Chris Juvan, Past President, Charter Member; and Chris Prelaz, Past Treasurer and member. In this group discussion, participants talked about the importance of diversity in angling, favorite fishing adventures, and concerns they share about the future of angling.

Joe Gutkoski is a lifelong conservationist, angler, and advocate for our wild areas. After getting a degree in landscape architecture, Gutkoski moved to Montana. Joe was a smokejumper and worked for the U.S. Forest Service for the majority of his career. In this interview, Gutkoski describes the intense opposition he faced during the years he worked for the Forest Service. He talks about the effects of development along streams and rivers on trout populations. He stays active and is involved in several conservation organizations. One of these organizations is Montana River Action, which is seeking to promote a bill requiring that our rivers and streams are not dewatered for agricultural needs.

Al is a former member of the Montana State Legislature and was the first to introduce a bill stating that Montana waterways belonged to the public and therefore access needed to be guaranteed through legislation. Al is credited with initiating the idea and by basing it on the states constitution; the legislation he introduced is the basis of the Stream Access Law we enjoy in Montana today. This interview encompasses his youth growing up in the Scapegoat Wilderness, where his passion for nature and the outdoors originated. Luebeck has been a key player in the groundbreaking legislation that Montana has regarding natural resources, and worked diligently with grassroots organizations to further the protections and accessibility that the land in Montana has developed over time.

Jen Brown is an avid angler, author, researcher, and fly fishing instructor. Her first book, "trout Culture: How Fly Fishing forever changed the Rocky Mountain West", provides an overview of the impacts of trout on place, people, and culture. In this interview, she speaks about her love of angling, some of her fishing adventures in Montana and Texas, and her concerns about climate change and overfishing.

Joel Weinhold is the CEO of Denver Outfitters and a conservationist, lifelong anger, and outdoor enthusiast. Weinhold lived for many years in Pueblo and fished a lot of the Sangre de Christos. Weinhold thinks that individuals who make there living off of natural resources have responsibility to communicate the importance of our natural areas to those that might not have the opportunity to experience it themselves. Weinhold believes it is important to diversify fly fishing in order to preserve the experience, and also to bring new contributions to the activity. He would like fly fishing to be made more accessible, and for those less affluent to have better access to the sport. Organizations, such as Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Association, bring more awareness to the connection between angling and conservation. Weinhold discusses the dilemma of protecting property rights while also protecting resources. His company believes and advocates for greater inclusion in angling by women and minorities.

Alex Assante, a junior in high school, shares his passion for fishing, emphasizing the freedom and connection with nature it provides. Alex has been fishing since he was young child and has the unique distinction of being able to say he caught his first trout on a rod he built and a fly he tied. He is a skilled fly tier and was raised in a family that loves to fish and spend time in the outdoors. He talks about his best fishing spots, bear and mountain lion encounters, and other memorable experiences. Alex talks about how much he loves to tie flies, especially the Tea Time Beauty, and how Siberia is his ideal fishing destination. He supports conservation initiatives, the inclusion of fishing in school education systems, and the encouragement of more young people and women to take up the sport. For the benefit of future generations, Alex stresses the value of sharing the joy of fishing and protecting ecosystems.

Fishing is a deeply personal and meaningful activity for Keith McCafferty, and he shares his connection between it and personal growth. He shares experiences with fishing, and encouraging younger people to participate in the outdoors. McCafferty believes that fishing and finding snakes are similar; both fish and snakes hide. He also brings up the challenges faced by the outdoors, such as politics and government reluctance to address issues. He emphasizes the importance of bringing kids into the outdoors and open discussions about fishing places, and the influence of influential figures like Norman McLean. McCafferty speaks about his struggles with reading and fishing, highlighting the decline of the hobby and the importance of preserving the environment. He also discuss the importance of trout fishing, arguing that it protects native species and focuses on understanding the value of resources. He emphasizes the need for young anglers to focus on the importance of fishing and not relying on others.

Olivia Wootan reflects on her passion for fly fishing and the influence of her father, Shane Wootan, who introduced her to the sport. Originally from Glenns Ferry, ID, Wootan emphasizes her preference for the outdoors rather than technology and school. Recounting experiences from fishing in Alaska to memorable moments with her dad, such as catching a 33-inch and a 34-inch Steelhead, Wootan expresses the joy and learning embedded in each fishing trip. She discusses her involvement in the youth group Snake River Cutthroats, her interest in fly tying, and her commitment to environmental initiatives, including planting willows in local creeks. Wootan shares insights from her high school's Fish and Wildlife class, highlighting the comprehensive learning it provides about fish anatomy, behavior, and conservation. She expresses a desire for more women and youth involvement in fly fishing and suggests using social media and personal invitations as effective means of spreading the enthusiasm for this outdoor pursuit. As an advocate for making fishing a personal and enjoyable experience, Wootan encourages others to try it firsthand and relish the satisfaction of their efforts.

Bruce Staples is a retired chemist, angler, and author who details his experiences of fly fishing throughout his life, highlighting on all the connections he has made along the way. He is a leading expert on fishing Yellowstone National Park and the waters of Idaho. Bruce has written articles for Fly Tier, American Angler, and Fly Fisher magazines as well as three books including Snake River Country: Flies and Water. He is also an accomplished fly tier and is currently working on his fourth book on flies for the Yellowstone area.

Carrie Morgan is a school teacher, angler, member of Casting for Recovery, and cancer survivor. Born and raised in Idaho, Carrie attributes her passion for angling to her husband, who introduced her to salmon and Steelhead fishing on the Idaho rivers. She expresses a particular fondness for Steelhead due to their accessibility. The conversation touches on her interest in fishing destinations like Australia and emphasizes the importance of patience in both fishing and life. Carrie discusses her personal journey with breast cancer, narrating how she discovered the Casting for Recovery organization and eventually became an active volunteer. The discussion extends to the organization's impactful activities, such as teaching participants to tie flies and cast. Carrie talks about bonds she made among participants with shared experiences of cancer. Carrie concludes by recommending Casting for Recovery as a transformative program for both physical and mental well-being, especially for individuals recovering from cancer treatments.

Joe Burke lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and is an accomplished fly tier, angler, and advocate for protecting rivers and native fish. He volunteers at a youth literacy center in Wyoming and helps mentor young anglers. Burke has been a member of the One Fly Tournament held in Jackson, Wyoming, since its inception. He speaks about climate change, angling access, and his love of angling.

Joe Pehrson grew up in eastern Idaho near the Nez Perce Reservation. In the interview, Pehrson describes his fishing life and how his involvement in fishing started when he was quite a young boy, hanging out with his father along the banks of lakes, rivers, and large water reservoirs. Pehrson became highly involved in fishing activities, particularly after the economic downturn of 2009, when he lost his advertising executive job in New York. He speaks to how fishing connected him to his home and his family and his concerns about climate change and overfishing.

Tanner Flake grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and is an avid anger and a co-owner of Tenkara Rod Co. which he helped found in Idaho after visiting a friend and discovering his passion for flyfishing. The company is a manufacturer of high quality, low-weight, made-in-the-USA, fishing rods. The rods are portable for carry-on luggage or a pack for that deep mountain hiking adventure. Tanner also details his story of how his company came to be through his interests in flyfishing and how the developing world begins to use Tenkara rods more often.

Dorthy Zinky is a lifelong angler and grew up fishing in California. Dorthy is a member of Golden West Women Flyfishers and an advocate for women's role in angling. She mentored countless young women over the years by teaching them to tie flies, fish, and how to get out and enjoy nature in a non-impactful way. It was not until later in life that she started fly fishing with her father in-law.

Dave Brackett grew up near Detroit, Michigan and fell in love with angling when he was introduced to fly fishing through a friend while attending college in Northern Michigan. He has been an active angler, fly tier, and conservationist ever since. He has fished across Idaho, Wyoming, and the Pacific Northwest. In his interview he speaks to his concerns about climate change, his love of angling, and shares several stories about angling adventures he has had.

In this interview, Jimmy Gabettas talks about his vast experience as an angler, spin fisherman, and fly fisherman, especially in Idaho. Idaho is an American state famous for its mountainous landscape, expansive protected wilderness, and vast outdoor recreation zones. The Boise River, which is rather popular for fishing and rafting, bisects Boise, Idaho's capital. According to Gabettas, across Idaho, fishing is rather special since the state has so much public land, but there is a continued need to protect the public land. According to Gabettas, those in the fishing industry are facing lots of challenges at present, including language barriers when they meet fishermen from foreign lands and adverse climate changes. Climate changes raise water temperatures to levels that are not conducive to the breeding and growth of fish. Gabettas offers pointers to literature that focuses on fishing – he makes references to the works put together by various authors, including Robert Travers, Nick Lyons, John Garrick, Dave Whitlock, and Charlie Craven.

Shane Wootan is an Idaho angler who talks about his passion for fly fishing, remembering an experience in La Paz, Mexico, where he engaged in a conversation with a boat captain about the merits of fly fishing over conventional gear. Wootan describes the allure of fly fishing, emphasizing the joy of feeling like it's the first catch every time. He underscores the sport's constant learning process, whether in fly tying or fishing, and the unique challenge it offers. Wootan advocates for diversifying the fly-fishing community, stressing the importance of inclusivity and the role it plays in conservation efforts. He discusses environmental concerns, such as public access, the impact of invasive species like bass on local trout populations, and the broader challenges posed by climate change. Wootan also delves into his local fishing experiences on the Snake River in Idaho, expressing a deep connection to the water, which he credits for bringing the desert to life. He discusses the need for anglers to give back to the environment, aligning personal goals with conservation organizations, and emphasizing the role of volunteerism. Shane gives his thoughts on the impact of literature on fly fishing, talking about its role in enhancing knowledge, sharing experiences, and contributing to the sense of community within the sport

Will Godfrey, a renowned fly fishing guide, collector of fly fishing memorabilia, and Ph.D. scientist, discusses some of his philosophical views as well as actual experiences. One of his notable accomplishments is guiding for Haig Brown. He has a collection of 7000 pieces of fly fishing literature. He mentions the importance of conservation and how when you don't take care of resources they become miss used and ill placed. He also speaks on the importance of breaking from your roots to establish new ground. He references the time he spend guiding for Bud Lilly's business and how he then made his own business. Since then he has had many people do the same from his business. He attributes his success and gives thanks to his father for bringing him into this realm.

Steven Fernandez is a world-renowned fly tier and angler from California who discusses his experiences growing up with fishing and learning to fly tie, detailing the places that took him. He is a pioneer in artistic salmon fly tying and is a recipient of the prestigious Buz Buszek Award. In addition, Fernandez is a practicing architect and a Porsche enthusiast. He has fished across the US and Europe and has been invited to demonstrate his fly tying expertise at fly fishing events from Idaho to Norway.

Satoshi Yamamoto is a Montana State University (MSU) alumnus, an avid angler, guide, salmon fly tier, and owner of Lefty Angler & Flies in Livingston, Montana. He is originally from Japan and shares stories about fishing there with his brother and friends. He is also fascinated with the history and beauty of the salmon fly and has done a wealth of research on the subject. Yamamoto discusses Montana and Yellowstone National Park as prime fishing locations, emphasizing the need for proper management to ensure the sustainability of wild species. As a fishing guide, he talks about his role in contributing to conservation efforts and the challenges associated with fishing pressure. Yamamoto also talks about the changing dynamics in the fly-fishing community, in which he advocates for more accessible and reasonably priced gear to encourage a diverse range of enthusiasts, including younger generations, women, and minorities. He talks about fishing in Japan, specifically tenkara fishing, which is a technique influenced by the landscape and space constraints. Yamamoto reflects on the history of fly fishing and the challenges and rewards of guiding. He also highlights the uniqueness of Atlantic Salmon flies and their historical significance.

Tom Bugni is one of the founding members of the Montana Coalition for Stream Access (MCSA). The organization is responsible for the passing of the Stream Access Bill in Montana which provides public access to the high water mark on all waterways. Bugni is a lifelong angler and guide who has fished in and around Butte for 50 plus years. He is a dedicated conservationist and advocate for access to our wild lands and rivers. In this interview, Bugni speaks about his motivations for starting MCSA, his love of angling, and his concerns about the future of the sport.

Monty Hankinson is a lifelong anger who has been a guide on the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers in Montana for nearly 50 years. His angling experience is legendary. Hankinson served as a witness in the Montana Stream Access Bill legislation in the 1980s. Hankinson believes people who enjoy fishing should get involved with their local politics in order to keep the trout waters clean.

Ben and Buck Goodrich are a father and son duo who both grew up fishing in Wisconsin and have put a lot into conservation efforts throughout their lives. Throughout the interview Buck does most of the talking and talks about times growing up as well as how things were so much different. He also mentions all of the old literature that he read as a kid, most of which was from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. For a large portion of this piece Buck talks about some of the aspects of fly fishing that he finds so unique one of the things he mentioned is unlike sports such as golf, you can actually meet some of the greats of fly fishing and they'll often not shy away from a conversation. In order to really get into fly fishing their biggest suggestion was that you go take a class; at first don't worry about catching fish that will fall in line. In their final remarks, they say: when fishing, make sure to enjoy the people, and above all treat yourself and the world gently.

Jay Buchner is a long time fly fishing guide out of Jackson, WY. In this interview, he talks on how he grew up in eastern Iowa, where is grandfather fly fished and where he was taught to tie flies at eight years old, mostly fishing in Michigan and Canada. As he got older, he learned to spin fish and fly fish for rainbow and Brown trout, later moving out to Jackson and opening his own fly shop and guiding service. Buchner goes on to talk about the conservation and management side of fly fishing, about the different native species of trout and Grayling in the west and how conservation efforts are being made to preserve these unique species and how this is great news. Buchner mentions the Yellowstone, Westslope, and Alvord cutthroat trout and the artic Grayling and the opportunities that are arising to save these species, like the Colorado Cut-Slam tournament. He even goes into some overseas trout species in Europe and Africa and how these fish are all found in beautiful places.

Tony Schoonen is one of the founding members of the Montana Coalition for Stream Access. The organization is responsible for the passage of the Stream Access Bill in Montana which provides access to all waterways to the high water mark. He is a lifelong anger, hunter, outdoor enthusiast and guide who has fished in and around Butte for 50 plus years. The interview is a thorough description of Schoonen's fishing adventures, relationship to the Big Hole River in Montana, and advocacy work for the right to access streams. He talks about his own journey, which began with simple fishing gear and ended with them becoming a fishing guide. Schoonen discusses how river conditions are changing, the difficulties in defending stream access rights, and the significance of teaching the next generation about fishing and environmental preservation.

Jeremy Wade is the host of the television program River Monsters on Animal Planet. Jeremy is also the author of River monsters: true stories of the ones that didn't get away. This book is a companion to his television show and highlights the most shocking creatures the author has come across in his travels as an extreme fisherman. Jeremy believes fishing is about building an understanding of fish behavior. Jeremy has a degree in biology, has spent a great deal of time living in Brazil, was formerly a teacher, and has fished the world over. In 2017, he was the Trout and Salmonid lecturer at Montana State University.

Jason Woda, who is a fishing guide with 19 years of experience on Lake Michigan, talks about his childhood experiences, his transition to professional fishing, and the changes in Lake Michigan's ecosystem over the last two decades. Woda is a lifelong angler, fishing boat captain, guide, conservationist, and "cheesehead." He grew up with his father fishing the waters around Milwaukee in Southern Wisconsin and most frequently on Lake Michigan. He currently operates Reel Sensation Charters which specializes in Lake trout and Salmon fishing. Woda talks about the challenges and responsibilities of managing the fishery, addressing concerns about changes in species density, stocking programs, and potential shifts toward an all-lake trout fishery. Woda started fishing at a young age, and has significant memories tied to trips with his father, especially a memorable one in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Fishing became a lifestyle, and he transitioned into guiding after his father retired. He also talks about the changes in the fishing landscape over the past 20 years, particularly the impact of invasive species like zebra mussels on the lake's ecology. Lake Michigan supports a diverse fishery with rainbow trout, Brown trout, lake trout, coho salmon, and chinook salmon. His bucket list includes fishing in Louisiana for yellowfin and experiencing remote locations like a rainforest, Brazil, and South Africa. The interview shows Jason's deep connection to fishing, his observations on changes in Lake Michigan, and his commitment to preserving the region's unique fishery.

Martin Techmeier was born and raised in Marinette, Wisconsin. He is in his late 90s and has spent his entire life fishing and around the water. He talks about growing up snaring Northern Pike and some of the legendary days that him and his brother had spent ice fishing, catching hauls of 50-plus perch, as well as landing massive browns on fly. He also talks about some of the large browns that he caught in Peshtigo near Goodman Park. He wasn't only an angler, he also talks about some of his time spend hunting bear, mule deer, and boar even going as far as to mention he has around 25 mounted. He wraps up his interview with encouraging words: Go fishing, catch fish.

This interview features Andrew Herd, a doctor and psychotherapist with a lifelong passion for fishing. It spans various aspects of his fishing experiences, including a memorable trip to Scotland, favorite streams like the Awbeg in Ireland, and insights into fish species, particularly the Awbeg trout in the Cork Blackwater. Herd is one of the world's leading fishing historians. He is an associate editor for Waterlog Magazine, the author of History of Fly Fishing, and he produced a facsimile of The Treatyse of Fishing with an Angle. During the interview Herd talks about the evolution of fishing, conservation efforts, and the impact of modern challenges such as insecticides on aquatic life. Andrew discusses his love for history and the importance of anglers being politically active to safeguard environmental concerns. He speaks about changes in the fishing community, the joy of sharing experiences with fishing companions, and the diverse landscapes and histories of fishing locations, especially in England. The interview also explores his interest in writing about the history of fly fishing as well as some of his favorite angling books and influential figures. Throughout the interview, Herd emphasizes the importance of organizations that advocate for anglers and environmental conservation. He encourages supporting institutions like libraries, especially with their role in preserving and sharing angling history for the benefit of everyone.

John Wainaina is the manager of Tam trout and the trout Tree Restaurant near Nanyuki, Kenya. The farm lies near the base of Mt. Kenya and gets its water from the mountain runoff. The farm raises rainbow trout exclusively for the restaurant. In this interview, Wainaina described the growing desire for trout in Kenya. He also described the process of farming the trout, and the conservation of water resources.

Bill Bainbridge has been a lifelong angler, but he started to pick up angling more seriously when he moved to Zambia after college. Not only is Bill an angler, but he is also a conservationist who has worked with NGOs and other organizations, and the government, to propose and pass legislation. These legislations helped preserve and protect the beautiful wilderness areas and wildlife across Southern Africa. During his interview Bill told many stories about fishing in Montana, Alaska, and generally across the world.

In this interview, Jan Korrubel, a marine biologist from Cape Town, South Africa, details his transition to fly fishing, offering a glimpse into his life along the Southern African coast. Originally a scuba diver and commercial fisherman, Korrubel holds a master's degree in marine biology and had his introduction to the fly fishing community on an atoll 27 years ago. He describes being initially hesitant about fly fishing but had a change of heart when he caught a remarkable fish on a friend's fly rod, leading him to become obsessed with the sport. Korrubel shares some of the diverse fishing experiences he has had, from coastal saltwater on heavy rods, to inland streams fishing for brown and rainbow trout. He reflects on changes in the fishing industry over the last two decades, including technological advancements in tackle, and the growing fly fishing community facilitated by the internet. He also shares his concerns about invasive species and is an advocate for responsible fishing. As he shares some fishing trip aspirations, including for the elusive golden dorado, Korrubel makes sure his enthusiasm invites people to embrace fly fishing as a source of joy and connection with others and nature.

Trevor Sithole is a young Zulu man who works for Wild Fly as a guide and shop worker. He has achieved his dream job of being a professional fishing guide in South Africa. Sithole started fishing by just taking an interest in it after seeing some local anglers near his home. Since many anglers in South Africa and across the world are typically Caucasian, his expertise and enthusiasm for the sport are helping to bring more diversity into angling. Sithole discusses at great lengths why he loves angling and the type of fish he loves to catch, and how his life has been changed by fishing.

Dave Walker is an author, researcher, angler, resort owner, and founder of the Wild trout Association in Rhodes, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Walker established the Association in 1991 because he was very interested in conservation. Martic Davies assisted him in forming a partnership with local farmers. These farmers are riparian owners and people pay them to fish on the streams, which leads the farmers to be more active in conservation efforts. In this interview, Dave shared some of his favorite fishing stories, recounting when he was a young child and fishing in his native country in the 1950's. He shares his views on wild trout and the importance of preserving the habitats where these fish live. Walker considers poor agricultural practices to be the biggest issue to South African fisheries. He also reflects on how fishing encourages one to travel places they might not otherwise visit.

Marc Petitjean is a French born, world renowned, fly tyer, angler and owner of Petitjean Fishing Equipment of Switzerland. His company specializes in fly tying equipment and flies, many of which were developed by Petitjean himself. His flies have been featured in dozens of magazines the world over. Petitjean enjoys fishing around the world. Some of Petitjean's favorite parts about showcasing his patterns all over the world is the diversity of people he has met andthe opportunity to share his cul-de-canard (CDC) techniques with. Marc touches on some of his concerns with the fisheries in Switzerland, in this interview, talking about the environmental affects that farming has had on some of his rivers, as well as dams all around Switzerland.

Ilan Lax, a seasoned fly fisherman, attorney, and environmental advocate from South Africa discusses the relationship between fly fishing, conservation, and advocacy. The Federation of Southern African Fly Fishers (FOSAF) was founded in 1985 in reaction to the deregulation of trout fishing and has since developed to defend fly fishermen's rights and oppose the ideology surrounding invasive species. The programs of FOSAF reach out into rural areas, promoting ecotourism and educational programs that introduce urban and rural youth to nature. The interview highlights how important anglers are to environmental stewardship and promotes an all-encompassing strategy for maintaining the health of ecosystems.

Moreno Borriero is one of the most respected bamboo rod builders in Europe and is a fishing guide in and around his home waters near Tuscany, Italy. His interview was conducted in South Africa at a regional Fly Fishing Expo. In the interview, he speaks about climate change in Italy, the art of bamboo rod making, life as fishing guide, and how he loves angling, in part, because of the experiences he has had in nature.

Andrew Fowler is an avid angler, researcher, fly tier, and author from South Africa who details the how it is being an environmentalist in a third world country. His book Stippled Beauties: Seasons, Landscapes, and trout is a collection of images and stories about angling. Andrew is also an ardent conservationist; he donated the proceeds from the limited edition of his book to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Duzi-Umgeni Conservation Trust, and Natal Fly Fishers Club, of which he is a longtime member.

Darren Fowler is from South Africa and is a member and founder of a group called the Fly Crew, an organization that actively seeks to get youth involved in the sport of fly fishing. They tie flies, have social fly tying events, and generally support angling. Darren also highlights how special it is to him to really focus on increasing diversity and conservation in the world of fly fishing.

Peter Brigg is from South Africa and is a lifelong angler, artist, conservationist, and author. In this interview, he describes his research, fly tying, and how his love for angling inspired his writing.

Peter Arden grew up near the Cape Town area in South Africa and was introduced to fishing by his father. His father was a saltwater fisherman, but Arden was fond of the trout streams of the western Cape. Arden is part of the Federation of South African Fly Fishers. who represent the fly fishing culture at an official level. With South Africa's mining and pollution the wildlife takes a massive hit. South Africa's hot, dry climate does not suit trout well so Peter and the rest of the FSAFF fight to protect the areas where they do have livable habitat. Arden says the country needs to fight for clean water to keep fishing available.

Gavin Erwin is a young artist and angler from South Africa. He states that "fishing is my life," a statement that is proven to be true throughout his interview. Gavin was found at the Fly Tiers Expo in Johannesburg, South Africa. His art is dynamic, colorful, and full of life. One of the unique things about much of Erwin's art is that it is done using Sharpies. Because of Erwin's proficiency in Sharpie art, a company has actually contacted him about his work! Gavin finds similarities in art and fishing through the deep connection he has with his work. He finds the diversity of fish in South Africa to be his muse as he creates art depicting fish.

Edward Herbst speaks on his personal journey into fly fishing, spanning over six decades, in this interview. Edward is a knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful, reasoned, and insightful man with considerable expertise in the history of fishing in South Africa. A respected scholar and longtime editor of the Cape Piscatorial Society publication, he is a lifelong angler, avid fly tier, and collector of angling books. Edward recounts his transition from spin fishing and hunting to discovering fly fishing in Cape Town. Motivated by a desire to engage in hunting without causing harm, fly fishing in small, clear mountain streams became Edward's ideal alternative. The interview covers Edward's entry into fly fishing in the early 1960s, with his preference for small stream fly fishing with ultralight fly rods. He shares insights into the evolution of fly-fishing equipment as he's seen it, mentioning brands like Sage and Orvis, and the development of specialized gear for small stream fly fishing. Throughout the conversation, Edward talks about the influential figures in fly fishing literature, including Tom Sutcliffe, Lefty Kreh, and Dave Whitlock. He speaks about the impact of reading and learning from various American outdoor writers in shaping his language skills and eventually leading him into a career in journalism. The conversation moves into Edward's early experiences with bait fishing and spin fishing, his exposure to American outdoor magazines like Rod and Gun, and his fascination with the stories of American presidents engaging in fishing as children. Additionally, he talks about the role of women and people of color in fly fishing, acknowledging the efforts to diversify the demographics of the sport in South Africa. Edward shares his views on the introduction of trout in South Africa, addressing both the ecological impact and the benefits, such as the economic boost to property prices and tourism, including the efforts of the Cape Piscatorial Society in preserving and promoting fly fishing in South Africa. He also speaks about the threats to fly fishing, including pollution from mining activities, invasive alien vegetation, and challenges posed by climate change. Edward emphasizes the society's role in administering local trout streams, organizing youth programs, and fostering a sense of connection among fly fishers.

John Yelland, a seasoned fly fisherman, discusses his experiences, reflections, and concerns related to fly fishing. Yelland is the owner of Upstream Flyfishing in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an avid angler who has fished the world over. John says he enjoys meeting fishers from across the world at his shop, especially those new to the sport. The interview itself covers various aspects, including personal anecdotes, family influences, favorite fishing locations, and the evolving landscape of fly fishing in the Western Cape. Yelland shares his journey from learning fly fishing with his father to becoming an avid angler, emphasizing the immersive and meditative nature of the sport. He discusses his diverse preferences in fly fishing, ranging from Cape mountain streams to annual expeditions to the Zambezi for tiger fish and occasional saltwater fly-fishing in exotic locations like the Seychelles. A significant portion of the oral history addresses Yelland's concerns about the state of local rivers, discussing issues such as pollution, climate change, and the contentious classification of trout as non-indigenous by the Cape Nature Department. As a fly-fishing enthusiast, Yelland shares his excitement in introducing newcomers to the sport while advocating for simplicity and enjoyment over technicalities.

Lourens Ackermann is a South African bamboo rod maker. In this conversation he shares fishing stories from both childhood and adulthood. He says that what makes a good fishing partner to him is having a good laugh. Lourens tells the story how he got into rod making in the US and why he loves bamboo rods. He mentions some of his favorite fishing writers including Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, and John Gierach. Finally he touches on politics: while he isn't heavily involved himself he praises anglers who are also activists for the environment.

Stephen Dugmore is an avid angler and a split cane rod maker in South Africa. He tells a story about a rainbow trout that took a fly and then proceeded to get him to remove the hook. He was interviewed in Cape Town and discusses the role of trout in South Africa, bamboo rods, and changes he has witnessed in angling. He creates a special emphasis on the material of rods, and goes in depth about his personal experience with certain materials such as bamboo.

Tom Sutcliffe is a lifelong angler, historian, artist, doctor, and conservationist from South Africa who many people refer to as the South African John Gierach. His books include Hunting trout, Shadows on the Stream Bed, and Elements of Fly Fishing. He describes everything related to fishing in South Africa with the knowledge of a researcher and individual who has used angling as a form of solace for the majority of his life.

Marlize Heyns, Renthia Dewood, and Marietjie Davies share their journey into the world of fly fishing. Davies first started fishing with her late husband, and Heyns and Dewood credit her with getting them into the sport. Dewood is Heyn's mother and Davies is her aunt, so there are many family connections. All three have fished for the South African National Fly-Fishing Team and are lifelong anglers who enjoy fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. The discussion revolves around their love for the sport, experiences fishing for the national team, and the unique challenges they've faced as women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The locations mentioned throughout the interview range from South Africa, where they fish for Brown trout, rainbow trout, and yellowfish, to dream locations for future fishing adventures such as Canada, Russia, and Montana. The women share their personal joys and challenges of fly fishing as well as the broader mission these women undertake. They discuss the importance of involving women and people of color in fishing. They also mention the significance of conservation efforts to maintain clean waters. The interview sheds light on the hurdles they face when promoting the sport, including expenses and the scarcity of female participants, along with the evolving landscape of fly fishing, touching on environmental concerns, the impact of climate change, and the need for broader inclusivity in the sport.

Chris Parker is quite enthusiastic about the production of specialized aquaculture feeds. Parker's company, which is an abalone farming company located in South Africa, has an extrusion facility used in the production of specialized aquaculture feeds. Mainly, the company produces Abalone feeds and trout feeds, which are sold across South Africa. Notably, Abalones are large or small marine gastropod Haliotidae molluscs. The names Abalone, mutton shells, muttonfish, sea ears, and ear shells are often utilized interchangeably. In South Africa, there are large stocks of rainbow trout and Abalone. In the interview, Parker indicates that the company has so far performed quite well in the production of Abalone feeds – the company has also registered marked success in the production of trout feeds following advice given by international nutritionists. There is a lot of urban trout farming in South Africa, presenting the company with an expansive market for trout feeds. The company is keen on ensuring it produces feeds that are appropriate for the digestive systems of trout and Abalone.

Gerrie Vandermerwe is a trout farmer who's been in South Africa for 25 years. He lives near the town of Dullstroom. His family's farm supplies the majority of the live sold trout in south Africa. He talks about the physiological similarities and differences between different types of trout as well as some of the requirements to raise these fish. He also mentions that he is an angler himself; he fishes the river right near his house as well as fishing a large portion of the eastern seaboard. He mainly talks about some of his business ideology, specifically referencing to the fishing tourism industry as well as the guaranteed stability of a job that supplies almost an entire nation on both the private and government sides. To conclude he talks about his hopes that his kids and family carry on their farm and continue to supply the country that they love with the food and the fun it needs.

Dragoslav Mikhail, a musician and owner of Hemingways Fly Fishing in Serbia, shares insights into the similarities between fishing and music. He highlights the peace and solace found in both pursuits. Beyond his professional roles, Dragoslav's vibrant personality shines through. The interview explores his unique perspective on the deep connection he feels with music and fishing. Throughout, Dragoslav narrates experiences that capture the essence of his passions, weaving together art, angling, and personal reflection.

Raul Garcia is from Spain and grew up near Madrid. He learned to fish as a child from his grandfather who took him to fish for Brown trout on local streams. In this interview, he speaks about his love of angling, the business of fly fishing, the culture of fishing in Spain, and why he decided to start a fly fishing guide business.

Tadeusz Zalewski is the founder and owner of Traper, a Polish fly fishing company. He has fished all over the world for a wide variety of species and turned his love of angling into a full-time job. This interview has interesting and funny stories as well as the strong beliefs of a man who cares for his home fisheries. He speaks about how is love of angling and music led him to start creating and marketing his own flies which developed into a full time career. He has fished across Europe but, when asked where he would like to fish, metioned Montana as a dream anging destination.

Alex Vulev was interviewed in Budapest at the European Tackle Dealers Expo. He runs a guide service and online angling shop in Sofia, Bulgaria. Alex shared some of his views on how the rivers and fisheries have been affected across southern Europe from climate change, pollution, and angler impact.

Lothar Balscheit is an avid angler and member of his local fly club in Berlin, Germany. In this interview, he speaks about his love of angling and the adventures he has had fishing across Europe and Germany. Balscheit is a well-respected fly tier in Germany, and the "rustly flies" he created are very popular in Northern Europe.

Alex Koss is the owner of Angelhaus Koss which is one of the few remaining small, family-run, fishing shops left in Berlin. Alex took over operation of the shop from his father so has basically been in the business his entire life. In this interview he speaks about angling culture, his favorite flies, and how he finds peace and comfort through fishing.

Alfred Olbrich is a splitcane bamboo rod maker and retired construction worker who lives in Berlin, Germany. In this interview, he describes his splitcane process and brought some examples of his work along to share. He also speaks about his love of bamboo rods, trout, climate change, and the history he has witnessed growing up during the Cold War.

Theo Atanasov grew up in Bulgaria and moved to Berlin, Germnay, when he was around 20 years old. He expressed a love of all things angling and about teaching others about fishing. Theo was a traveling musician in his younger days and shares great tales of adventure and about how music relates to fishing. His work with getting youth involved in fly tying and fishing is his passion and he feels it is what will help preserve angling and natural areas in the future. He also speaks to climate change, fishing in Germany, and the art of fly tying.

Peer Doering-Arjhes is an avid bamboo rod maker and enthusiast, biologist, the English to German translator of Mel Krieger's books, and owner of Springforelle, a company that imports its own bamboo and creates and sells high end bamboo rods. Doering-Arjhes grew up in West Berlin, Germany, where his grandfather instilled in him a love for fishing. Peer is an avid angler and book collector, great fly casting instructor, and just a lover of all things fishing. During his interview, he emphasized the aspects of bamboo fly rods and explained in detail where the materials come from and why Tonkin bamboo rods are so efficient.

Uli Thiel grew up in East Germany and is active in his local fly fishing club in Berlin. He is an avid angler who has fished all over the European continent. He speaks about political changes such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, angling, and shares some stories about smuggling hooks and rods across the East German border when he was a child.

Mario Mucke grew up in East Germany and learned to fish there as a child. He has lived through times of great change in Germany and witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany, and the creation of the European Union. He is a lifelong angler and has been the president of his local fishing club for over twenty years. In this interview, he speaks about angling culture in Germany, political changes, climate change, his local fishing club, and how important he feels it is to get children involved in the sport of angling.

Pierre Affre is an avid angler, veterinarian, conservationalist, political activist, and an eclectic and unique collector who lives in France. The interview took place in his office in Paris, just a short distance from Pont Neuf on a street where he was born. He spoke of fishing with Jack Hemingway and Charles Ritz and the changes he has seen in the health of rivers, salmon runs, and anglers over his lifetime as well as some of the environmental changes he has seen firsthand, like climate change. Pierre also shared some stores about his work with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and his youth, in which he was ranged internationally for fly fishing casting competitions. His office was crammed with oddities from around the world, including butterflies, Zulu masks, antique bamboo rods, and a hippo jaw bone.

Misako Ishimura is the co-author of Tenkara: Radically Simple, Ultralight Fly Fishing. She has fished all across the world in many different continents, mostly with Tenkara. She has competed in many fly fishing competitions for Japan and ties her own flies. Misako is also a conservationist and would like that the fisheries she has enjoyed can also be be enjoyed by future generations.

This interview with Henry Hoffman, an avid fly-fishing enthusiast, spans decades of angling adventures. Hoffman started breeding chickens specifically for hackle after he got out of the army in his 1920s. He found there was no decent hackle for tying available to him and since his family owned a chicken farm he started experimenting with various breeds until he found one that he liked. His hackle is now world famous and used by tiers the world over. Beginning with humble bamboo pole fishing for rockfish along the California coast in the late 1940s, Hoffman's story evolves into a plethora of experiences that encompass geographical diversity and the evolution of fly-fishing culture. Pivotal moments of Hoffman's life are discussed, including when he, fresh from two years of military service, embarked on an ambitious month-long fishing expedition to Smithers, British Columbia, Canada, in 1959. The unpredictability and thrill of deep-water fishing for Steelhead became part of what has consistently drawn him away from the routine. Geographical features weave through the story, from the coastal areas of California, including San Francisco and Bodega Bay, to the landscapes of Smithers and the lakes of Oregon and Washington, specifically Oh Maggie Lake. Through the interview, Hoffman reflects on the impact of climate change, observing shifts in water flows and the potential consequences for fish habitats. Hoffman describes the evolution of his fly-tying skills, from early self-teaching to collaboration with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. He shares the meticulous process of developing unique fly patterns, and the testing and refining of these patterns. These discussions reflect Henry's fascination with the science and artistry of fly tying. The interview summarizes the changing ethos of fishing over the years, from an era when keeping every catch was common to the present emphasis on catch and release. A number of fish species are discussed, including lake trout, whitefish, Steelhead, silver salmon, dive-barred trout, shrimp, and salmon.

This interview provides a personal account of a lifelong angler Mac Huff's experiences with fishing that span over six decades. Huff is a member of the International Fly Fishers Federation, longtime angler, and fly tier. He started fishing nearly 65 years ago with his dad when he was around six or seven. He often fishes 150 plus days a year and was an avid Steelheader when he was younger. Huff shares memories of growing up in Central Oregon and the profound influence of the outdoors on his life. The interview goes into his evolution from a casual angler to a dedicated Steelhead enthusiast, recounting years of extensive fishing. Mac touches upon historical events, such as the construction of the Dallas Dam and the impact of dams on fish populations, particularly the decline of the June salmon runs. A significant part of the interview revolves around his involvement in fisheries surveys, providing insights into the ecological changes in the region, such as the decline in Steelhead runs and concerns about ocean conditions affecting fish growth. Huff describes his transition into guiding and the importance of passing on knowledge to others. He expresses his thoughts on various fishing-related topics, from the challenges faced by the fishing industry to his observations on effective teaching methods, particularly for female anglers. Additionally, Huff speaks on broader conservation issues, such as forest management practices impacting public lands and the challenges posed by wildfires.

Richard Stoll, from San Diego, CA, is the author of Sea Run Cutthroat trout and Fly-Fishing Inshore Saltwaters for Pacific Salmon. His background in the sciences gives his books an authoritative nature that is based on sound research but accessible and helpful to anglers at all levels. His love and fascination with sea run fish is compelling. He talks about catching many different fish species and the meaning behind fishing aside from simply catching fish.

Grant Adkins was interviewed Augest 4th, 2017. Grant is a longtime member of the International Fly Fishers Federation. He is a native of Texas and has fished in places all over the world. In this conversation he talks about his love of the sport, fishing in middle America and the many options for staying involved with the fly fishing community.

Floyd and Janet Dean are a fishing and casting team who (as Floyd tells the story) almost became the first husband and wife casting champions. Both are avid anglers and fly tiers. Floyd grew up in Idaho fishing with his cousins for brook trout in the small creeks near his home in the Teton Valley. They speak of the changes in angling, the environment, and fishing gear over the last several decades. The couple is best known as the inventors of the "Accelerator Fly Casting Trainer," a fly-casting instructional tool that Floyd developed to teach a novice fly caster the delay needed between forward and backward casts to properly allow the fly line to load the rod for the power transfer in the cast. Floyd and Janet speak highly of fishing and recount their plethora of experiences fondly.

Dave Petersen is a longtime member of Fly Fishers Federation and avid fly fisher and tier who lives in Michigan. Dave says part of what he loves about fishing is the beautiful places it takes you and the connections it has allowed him to share with his family and children. Dave is also part of the West Michigan Hacklers, which is a fly fishing club in Oceana County, Michigan, which brings people from all over the county together to do everything fly fishing as well as helping to support younger crowds, supplying them with rods and reels. He is a native of Illinois and has fished the rivers, streams, and lakes of the Midwest since a child, specifically praising the native brook trout populations in Michigan.

Scott Sanchez was born and raised near Salt Lake City, Utah. He learned to fish and tie flies there as a young kid and has been a passionate angler ever since. In this conversation Sanchez shares a bit about his childhood, what makes a good fishing partner, and the importance of getting young people out in nature. He talks a lot about conservation and his deep appreciation of fishing, along with fly tiers he admires.

Bud Heintz is from California and has been fishing and tying flies most of his life. His angling was more sporadic prior to retiring, but it has since become one of the most enjoyable aspects of his life. He started fishing with his dad on some property they owned in the Trinity Valley in Northwest California. He enjoys tying and works to spread the knowledge and love of fly tying to others whenever possible.

Sharland Urquhart lives in Cape Town, South Africa and is a well-known South African landscape artist. In her interview she speaks about her favorite fishing locations, why she loves fishing, and her concerns about the future of the sport.

Nick Lyons is an author, publisher, scholar, and environmentalist. Nick is the author of Spring Creek, written about his experiences fishing on O'Dell Spring Creek in southern Montana. His late wife Mari was an artist who illustrated the book. James Thull met with Nick at his apartment in New York where he had traveled to attend a dinner at the Angler's Club of New York as his guest. Nick's knowledge of angling, the culture, and people involved is simply legendary. Nick started Lyons Press and several prominent authors credit him with starting their careers. He speaks about his angling adventures, the angling publishing world, his concerns about climate change, and his love of Montana waters.

Matthew Burkett lives in Boulder, Colorado and is the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Flyfisher Group, a capital, consulting and holding company that specializes in growing sustainable assets. He has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate prime trout habitats in his native Colorado. Burkett believes in giving back to his community and leaving behind a positive legacy. He has put those ideas into action with projects like restoring the Lincoln Hills area, a historically African American recreational area near Denver, and turning it into a fly fishing club and preserve. In this interview, he speaks about his love of angling, his passion for conservation, and what makes fishing in Colorado so special.

Cody Dugulle is the Director of The Flyfisher Real Estate Group and an avid angler, hunter, and outdoor enthusiast from Southwest Colorado. Cody has been fishing in and around Colorado almost since birth. His interest in fishing and hunting has led him to be an advocate for preserving and rehabilitating wild areas. Cody truly understands how special our wild areas are and how much we as a society would lose if those areas are not protected and preserved for future generations. Cody's background in fisheries sciences was key in helping the Flyfisher Group properly manage and rehabilitate the Lincoln Hills area. Cody mainly focuses on how our environment is changing and stresses the importance of conservation.

An accomplished photographer and fly fisher, Val has produced four books of his photography centered around the beauty of fishing and its landscapes. His adventures and photgraphs are as varied as the places good angling can be found. He has fished for Rainbow trout in Kamchatka, Mahseer in India, Bonefish in the Seychelles, and Permit in Mexico. The topics covered in the interview range from fishing, to art, to activism, and about the activities and places Val is passionate about. He speaks about the places he has gone and the different experiences he has had with people all over the world. While being an avid angler and photographer, over time he discovered it is better to focus on one passion at a time but he knows there are still ways to do both.

Marjorie Boggess grew up and still lives in Southern California where she has been an avid fly fisher, fly tier, and enthusiast of national parks since she was a child. She has also been a leader in and discusses Match the Flower Phenology a branch of science dealing with the relations between climate and periodic biological phenomena. In this interview, she discussed how she got into fly fishing, the importance of practicing catch and release and supporting conservation organizations, as well as talking about her many experiences with national and state parks around the country.

Jake Heckman is an accomplished angling artist and avid fisherman. After high school, he was an underwater welder for many years. He now lives off grid in Clarkston, Montana. He sources a lot of his food from hunting, fishing, and gardening, while welding his art with energy from his solar panels. He is inspired in his art by wildlife, particularly aquatic species. In this interview, Heckman revealed some of his pieces. He shares some stories he experienced as a diver, and the strange fish he saw deep in the ocean.

Don Lieb is a lifelong angler and shares stories his life in fishing as well as his service in the Army in WWII, fighting forest fires, and his friend, famous flytier Buz Buszek. Lieb talks about the changes he has seen in the environment over his lifetime, his concerns about climate change and pollution, and how grateful he is for all the great fish and rivers he has had the opportunity to see.

Fred Nelson grew up on Long Island and got into fly fishing when he received a Field & Stream magazine and it clicked with him. He spent time in the Catskill mountains fishing for brook trout, and eventually made his way west to Montana and fished the Madison river. He became disgusted with the number of boats he saw each day on the river, so to get away from the crowds Fred has turned to lake fishing. Fred also worked in stream management and was able to get over 300 water courses protected through state legislature in Montana. He talks about the importance of our national parks and how they are a place of refuge for wildlife, especially with all the recent development in Montana.

Mas Okui was held in the Manzanar relocation camp in California during World War Two and that is where he first found trout, in a stream that flowed through the camp. In 1953 Mas was drafted into the army and deployed to Germany. Just before this he had purchased a fiberglass fishing rod and had his mother ship it to him so he could use it overseas. While he was overseas he befriended a soldier who was also an angler and they attempted to fish the same streams as Ernest Hemmingway, one of Mas' favorite authors. He talks about catch and release and how it has changed from keeping the fish that you had caught. He understands the notion that catch and release is better for the trout stream and the livelihood of the fish. Mas contacted Sage and asked if they could make a specific rod for his type of fishing. He wanted the top section to have limited movement, the middle to be stiff, and the bottom to bend, allowing him to cast farther. Mas was a baseball fan and watched Willie Mays play during his career. He also got to meet and speak to Ted Williams about fly fishing. He talks about the different material they would use for fly fishing and the different techniques he would employ with his fishing companions. Mas soon realized the flies he was tying were working better than the commercially sold flies. He is pessimistic about whether we are going to be able to salvage and protect our trout streams.

Ron Sorenen and his wife, Vanessa, own and operate Chocolate Lab Expeditions, a guiding and expedition business based in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. While Sorenen is a native of Montana, he found an opportunity to provide exceptional angling experiences in Argentina. The discussion ranges from topics of fishing in Argentina compared to fishing in Montana, to his efforts in conservation. He also highlights the issues of working with different styles of government, and the difference in conservation and fishing pressure between Argentina and Montana.

This interview with William Wernett provides a journey into a lifetime of trout fishing experiences that began in California in the 1930s. Wernett is an accomplished angler, angling author, and artist, carving depictions of trout and other fish as well as publishing books such as Hooked on Trout and Trout Tales. Topics range from his work as an artist and an author to how he has seen fishing change in southern California over the years. Wernett recounts his first trout catch at Mount Lassen National Park in Southern California at the age of five, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for fishing. The interview covers diverse geographical locations, including Mount Larson, Sequoia National Park, the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and Alaska. Wernett shares insights into the changing landscape of trout fishing, noting the shift from stocking various trout species in national parks to the emphasis on preserving native fish populations. He discusses environmental concerns, talking about the importance of maintaining freshwater streams and addressing climate change for the well-being of trout habitats. He discusses the evolution of fishing practices, from pursuing limits to the growing popularity of catch-and-release. Wernett reflects on the impact of introducing children to fishing, such as his experiences with grandchildren and Girl Scout backpacking trips. Wernett emphasizes the need for environmental education on the population's impact on the environment and the importance of imparting knowledge about conservation to younger generations.

Curtis Knight, executive director of California Trout, discusses the 46-year history of the organization in this interview. California Trout focuses on conserving and restoring wild trout habitats in California. One of the major initiatives of the organization involved the removal of four dams from the Klamath River, the largest dam removal project to take place in this country. Knight also highlights their efforts in the Eel River in northern California and explains the unique wild fish hatcheries there and the potential for salmon habitat restoration. He adds how the organization is also working on meadow habitat restoration in the Sierra Nevada mountains, addressing climate change and agricultural impacts on cold water sources, and engaging in carbon sequestration work there. He also mentions the importance of collaborating with private landowners to find solutions that benefit both agriculture and fish habitat. Knight touches on the importance of sport fishing to California's economy and emphasizes the role of anglers as advocates for clean water and good fish habitat. Finally, he discusses the challenges of getting more urban populations into fishing, urging Californians to get involved and explore the rich fisheries of the state.

Henry Hughes converses about a lifetime of fishing experiences in this oral history. Hughes is a professor of English at Western Oregon University, but is also an acclaimed poet, translator, angler, and world traveler. Henry had a lot to say about fishing and what it means to be an angler, with a onversation that ranges from personal fishing stories to conservation practices. Henry has released various collections of his poems, which include Men Holding Eggs, Moist Meridian, and Bunch of Animals among other publications. Henry shares his insights on the art of angling, beginning with childhood memories of Long Island, New York. The conversation goes into the different dimensions of fishing, from the humble joy of catching shrimps to the philosophical depths of the angling experience. Henry discusses the cultural significance of various fish species, including salmon, snapper, and carp. A big idea in the interview is environmental consciousness, with Henry speaking on his concerns about climate change's impact on fisheries. He advocates responsible angling practices and emphasizes habitat protection for trout, Salmon, and Steelhead. Throughout the conversation, he speaks about personal stories, global angling adventures, and reflections on historical changes in fishing practices. His personal stories range from fishing in remote coastal rivers to the joys of catching wild Steelhead. Henry talks about the connection of angling with literature, poetry, and cultural history. The oral history also emphasizes the connection between humans and the natural world, highlighting the need for environmental stewardship in preserving the art of angling. He encourages people to directly engage with nature, particularly the younger generation, and advocates for diverse representation in fishing activities. Henry wants people to be able to break away from the mundane things in life and experience the adventure of fishing.

Ted Leeson is a writer, angler, and teacher, which led to a conversation about fishing, life, and literature. In this interview, we talked about everything from some of Ted's personal fishing experiences to how he has seen angling change over the years. Ted has written many books including: The Habit of Rivers, Jerusalem Creek, and Inventing Montana. Along with writing books, Ted has also published angling related articles and essays in magazines such as Fly Rod and Reel, Field and Stream, and Gray's Sporting Journal among other prominent publications. He discusses issues like non-native species and the delicate balance between human activity and native species as he shares his opinions on conservation efforts. Ted stresses the value of public lands and river access while fighting for fisheries management that prioritizes protecting genetic pools.

George Revel was interviewed December 10th, 2017. A former president of the Golden Gate Casting and Angling Club, George has been an avid angler since he was a child. George is an accomplished fly caster and casting instructor and has won various awards for his abilities, receiving the Fly Fishing Federation's certification at the age of 13 and becoming a Master Certified casting instructor at the age of 19. George also started an outfitting shop, Lost Coast Outfitters, that is based in San Francisco, California. In this conversation he talks about becoming an angler and entering the industry which he is so passionate about. He also speaks a lot on the threats to California's waters and how getting more people involved in fishing creates a deeper connection to nature that the public needs to protect our environment.

Ian Pett is a supporter of the Mahseer Trust, a world traveler, and an all-around well informed man. On top of this, he is an angler. Ian was born in the U.K. where his father taught him to fish and led him to participate in local angling clubs, where he learned about his love for native, wild fish. Before Ian was full time with the Mahseer Trust he worked for the United Nations all over the world, where he was fully invested into Mahseer and the surrounding countries where they inhabit. We had a great conversation about traveling the world to fish, conservation efforts surrounding pollution, climate change and habitat protection and how they work around the world. Pett also shared some personal fishing anecdotes and discussed some of his favorite angling authors.

Eric Arenas got into fishing as a result of working for a river rafting company in Peru. He realized that he could fish on a couple of the rivers that they would raft and it all came together. He began to offer adventure tours with fishing and other options and grew in popularity. Eric notices the climate changing and talks about how he has noticed the change as the winter months are getting warmer. He says the way to help Peru is through donation and to coordinate with the government to protect the wildlife.

Travis Smith, originally from Sheridan, Montana, is the co-owner and operator of Patagonia River Guides, an adventure and guiding company located in Argentina. Smith was taught how to fly fish by his father and has been guiding since he was a teenager. After working as a guide, Smith and his lifelong friend Rance Rathie decided to start their own guiding company in Patagonia. Through personal stories, Smith recounts how fishing in Patagonia has changed over time due to climate change. He emphasizes how important fishing is to him, and how we need to conserve these places.

Leonard Berey Castillo lives in Limon, Costa Rica, where he moved in his early 20s after traveling there on a fishing trawler He was born in Nicaragua and has been on the ocean and fishing since he was a child. Because of this, he has a wide repertoire of stories to share about catching fish and experiencing life on the water. He talks about the changes he has seen the fishing industry change over the years, his love of the open ocean, and how the climate and fish populations have changed.

Alex Knüll, a seasoned fishing guide at Patagonia River Guides, explains his history and connection to fishing in the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia, Argentina, in this interview. Knüll discusses the evolution of fly fishing within his family beginning with his great-grandfather, and then his journey into the guiding profession. He also shares his concerns about the future of many fisheries, especially his apprehensions about the impacts of urbanization on wilderness. Knüll also describes the significance of national parks in preserving these areas. Delving into his role at Patagonia River Guides, he mentions his contributions to developing the pro program and helping build a network of relationships with ranch owners and industry stakeholders. The interview ends with Knüll listing his aspirations for international fishing trips. He shares a favorite fishing moment, which was a memorable encounter with a giant trevally in the Seychelles. Overall, Knüll promotes Patagonia as an fishing destination, highlighting its welcoming people, pristine waters, and remote location that means you almost always have the river to yourself.

Jim Goetz is a lawyer and a fisherman who was born and raised in Montana. He, along with his firm, were the people that defended high water mark and streamside access in the state of Montana. He also gave a lot of stories about when he was younger growing up here in Montana as well as some of the ventures that him and his dad went on. He tells many funny stories of creeks when he was younger and talks about some of the more recent ventures he has gone on with his friends, most of whom are local legends. He also voices his opinion on how accessible fishing should be and shares that he disagrees with having to pay to fish certain rivers and streams. He shares that fees to fish have a place and he thinks that maybe Paradise Valley is that place but many people don't have that much money to spend so fees should be isolated if existent.

Alberto Salimas is an accomplished angler, writer, fishing guide and conservationalist. Alberto is currently working on a book about the history of fishing in Peru and the coastal areas where he has spent his life. He speaks to the changes in the enviroment, fish species found, pollution, and overall fish populations. Alberto has fished since he was a child and was tought at a very young age by his father and grandfather. He has great respect for the ocean and the creatures that live there and hopes his book with both convey the history of angling in Peru and help teach his fellow anglers about the need to preserve the precious fisheries resources they control.

Mel Gormley is a fishing guide and an avid angler. He was born in the United Kingdom and talks about his experience fishing the rivers there. He talks about how some of his efforts mixed with efforts from the city go to funding schools and local programs. He also talks about how some of the work he has done has entitled him to special treatment from the locals. He also discusses some of the impacts that some environmental efforts have had as well as how the environment suffers when they don't happen He spends a large amount of time talking about poaching and counter poaching efforts as well as the negative effects that poaching can have on an environment. His final note was about moderation and conservation: our world's resources are finite and we must do everything we can to protect it.

Paul Goldring is an owner of a safari business in Zambia. He is a life long angler and a college educated farmer. He grew up in Malawi, Africa, and that's where he learned to fish. As he says, fishing is just an excuse to travel to exotic places, a philosophy that has guided him through his entire life and driven him to many places around the world. Throughout his interview he talked about some of those ventures from the Congo to India and most everything between. He also talks about the unique experience he got to fish with and guide a world wide legend, Jeremy Wade. Fishing for tiger fish on the Congo with Wade was a very unique adventure, but not the only time he fished the Congo. In all of his success and unique adventures he remains remarkably humble and leaves us with parting words: just keep fishing.

Rodolfo Leon lives in San Bartolo in Peru and is an avid angler. The topics discussed ranged from what it is like to fish in the Amazon, to the importance of practicing catch and release fishing. Leon describes fishery conservation efforts in Peru and around the world. He discusses the evolution of his fishing experiences, transitioning from childhood pastimes to engaging in fly fishing later in life. Leon expresses a deep connection to nature and describes the thrill of catching various fish species, including trout, marlin, peacock bass, Brown trout, rainbow trout, vampire fish, and catfish. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the need for conservation efforts and responsible fishing practices, sharing concerns about predatory practices and the lack of a culture of protection.

Vanessa Sorenson was born and raised in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina and now owns an outfitting and guiding business, Chocolate Lab Expeditions, with her husband, Ron, in that same town. Sorenson shared her knowledge and insight about the fishing industry and angling culture in Argentina. She highlights the different clientele that have came to their guiding service as well as the ways they fully accommodate and let their guests enjoy their time. The discussion ranged from the prominence of practicing catch and release fishing in Argentina to the concerns Sorenson has for the future of Argentina's rivers and fisheries.

Rance Rathie was born and raised in Montana. His family are fly shop owners, outfitters, and guides, he was fly fishing himself by the age of 7 on the Big Hole River. During this interview he is living in the Patagonia region of Argentina where he owns a flyfishing lodge and guiding business called Patagonia River Guides. Topics discussed range from business and family to conservation. He explains how trout are not native to Argentina but are now enjoyed as a food source, sport, and economic stimulation to the region while discussing the growing fishing scene. He stresses that fishing in Argentina is not just about the fish but a cultural exchange too.

This interview features Martha Williams, then director of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and an avid angler and outdoor enthusiast. She discusses how she got involved in law and conservation efforts as well as her own personal experiences in the outdoors of Montana and beyond, both of which helped form her love and dedication to the environment that she calls home. Williams reflects on her upbringing on a farm north of Baltimore, MD, emphasizing the formative experiences that instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment. She discusses her family's traditions of visiting wild places, especially in the Adirondacks in New York, and the challenges posed by environmental changes and development in beloved locations. The conversation goes into Williams' perspectives on conservation laws, particularly her unwavering support for the Endangered Species Act and the importance of focusing on habitat protection. She talks about the delicate balance required in managing natural resources and the challenges that come with Montana's success at drawing people to the state and the need to balance enjoyment with conservation. Williams explains how significant it is to diversify the fishing community and engage youth in outdoor activities and conservation efforts for the future. During the interview, funding sources for conservation agencies, with a focus on the economic impact of outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing licenses is discussed. Williams discusses Montana's role as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and the responsibility it brings to preserve resources. Williams shares her worries about climate change, population pressures, and the political climate affecting conservation efforts. She relays how important it is for engagement, urging people to understand and support the laws governing conservation.

Isaias Miciu, an artist and photographer from Argentina, talks about his journey combining art and fly fishing. He discusses his family's influence on his love for art and fishing and shares moments from his childhood in Argentina. Miciu also talks about his transition from a hobbyist photographer to a professional. He highlights the connection between photography and fishing, capturing emotional moments. The conversation touches on his learning experiences in fly fishing and his future goal of creating a unique experience for anglers.

Leo Schneider, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been a guide for Patagonia River Guides since 2010. The charisma and knowledge of the local area he possesses have given him a reputation as great guide. Schneider loves to fish and loves to teach people to fish. Schneider builds his own bamboo rods and keeps in touch with some prominent rod makers in the United States. The conversation consisted of discussing his great love for angling, being a guide, and the waters of Argentina and Patagonia that he calls home.

Marcelo Perez is an architect by trade and an angler at heart. In the interview, he describes his fishing life and how he began fishing alongside his father when he was quite young. He talks about his fishing adventures, his concerns about pollution and climate change and about how recently he has written articles for several angling magazies in Spain and Argentina.

Jorge Malaga is from Peru and has been fishing the waters of South American for over four decades. He was an early advocate for catch and release in Peru and an advocate for getting youth involved in fishing. In this interview, h speaks about angling culture in Peru, the prominence of catch and release fishing with the local population, and his concerns about climate change and pollution.

Richard Bunsie is from Oregon and is an avid angler and an artist who creates beautiful works revolving around his passion, angling. In this interview, he describes his love of angling and art, some of his upcoming projects, and about the state of Oregon's fisheries and waterways.

Nelson Ishiyama is the owner of Henry's Fork Lodge in Idaho. He is also an avid fly fisher, outdoor enthusiast, conservationist. Ishiyama describes the changes he has seen in the environment, including hotter summers and changing waether patterns, and how that is impacting fisheries all across the western United States. Nelson is a member of the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club and has been involved in many similar groups for decades. He shares his extensive knowledge of fly fishing, angling culture, and owning a fly lodge in this interview.

In this interview, Patel Yunus describes his fishing experiences in Africa, particularly in Zambia. Yunus became very interested in fishing when he was young, when he was spending a lot of time with his late uncle. He and his uncle were farming bananas at the confluence of the Kafre River and Zambezi River. His uncle was an enthusiastic tiger fisherman. According to Yunus, there are different ways that one can utilize in catching tiger fish, including lures, using fish fillets, using flies, or using drift baiting. The method that one uses in catching fish in a given area depends on the most convenient method for that area. The Zambian government, through its Fisheries Department, has in the past tried to regulate fishing across the country by instituting various fishing bans during fish spawning periods.

Mark Evans grew up in Florida and Alabama, but moved to Costa Rica almost 20 years ago and has lived there ever since. Mark owns and operates an outfitting shop, Stone Mountain Outdoors, and is an avid angler and general outdoors man. In this interview, he describes the beauty of fishing in Costa Rica, where his passion for fishing came from, and passing down the traditions of the outdoors to his children.

Ringo Piliwe is a manager for Nsabe Resort in Zambia. On this 1500 acre resort he manages the staff, restaurant, bar, the fishponds and all the safari species on the property. Piliwe talks about some of the opportunities on this resort, like going on fishing trips and catching catfish, bream, and Tilapia, and going on safari to see zebras, giraffes, and many different antelope species. Piliwe talks about some of the good that this resort does for the local community like giving staff stakes in the resort, giving back to the local community, and letting locals harvest amber from the property. Piliwe also talks about some of this experience fishing the ponds and near the dams, including catching the catfish and bream for his family to eat.

Brady Fisher has been the grounds keeper for the Gallup family at thier home in Big Fork, Montana, and an avid fisherman for many years. He grew up in Missoula, and tells stories of his fly fishing during his childhood through adulthood. Topics discussed include how Brady got into fishing, his love of catching native fish, and even some stories about fishing with Vern Gallup.

Rolando Hamsill has been fishing the waters of Costa Rica for his entire life and is now the captain of a commercial fishing boat. In this interview, he discusses the state of commercial fishing in Costa Rica, whether he will teach his children to fish, and some of the specifics of his fishing process.

Anna Patterson first worked at the European Exchange Service situated in Germany and thereafter moved to different countries in pursuit of her work and personal interests. From Germany, she was assisted to get into America where she got married for the first time. In the interview, Anna describes her day-to-day life in different countries and different sets of circumstances, including the dynamics that affected fly fishing during World War II. Anna is an enthusiastic fly tier. By and large, the fly-tying process is a manual one–fly-tiers like Anna utilize various manmade and natural materials, which are linked to hooks and various hand tools.

Matias Damonte owns and operates a fly shop in Argentina with his brother, giving his insight into the fishing culture of Argentina. Damonte goes in-depth about the origin of his outfitting guide, and what his day-to-day operations look like. He also explains the obstacles that he faces by owning a guiding outfit in Argentina.

Jeff Arrillaga lives in San Jose, California and fell in love with fly fishing while on a work trip when some colleauges convinced him to some along on a day trip with them. He found the river to be beautiful, challenging, and peaceful especially while fishing for rainbow trout. His love for fishing led to concerns about dams and pollution that threaten the river's pristine state. Arrillaga shares his experience with fishing in small creeks and the challenges of fly fishing. He hopes to continue fishing and encourage others to get kids involved in the sport. He discusses his love for fishing and the diversity of environments such as mountainous areas like Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and California, as well as the San Lorenzo River in Argentina.

Gaston Verme is an angler from Peru. He has been fishing since he was 8 years old. He has always lived around water and he mentions how that forged his appreciation for fishing and the environment. He talks a lot about his experiences fishing and how he has traveled all over to fish for Mahi, Tuna, Halibut and also mentions how important fish such as sea bass are. He talks about the importance of getting people fishing specifically mentioning a school program being designed to promote the sport. When asked what's good in a fishing partner he says someone who is patient and can hold their liquor.

Lukwesa Kalima is a manager at Chaminuka Park in Zambia. Lukwesa studied wildlife management in school and decided to work for the park to help conserve and protect the wildlife and fisheries. The park is a great source of tourism for the area and people come from all over the country and world to fish and see the wildlife. Lukwesa is trying to help grow the size of the park so that it could include more species of animals and fish to drive more tourism and excitement as well as protect more animals. Though Lukwesa has not been much of an angler he states that he would like to get into it more in the future.

Alistair Brew is a fishing guide in Uganda. He grew up in Uganda but has fished across Southern Africa. He talks about his love of guiding, his concerns about climate change, and how for him being in nature is the thing he loves most about fishing.

Cymon Charnley owns and operates a hotel on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Originally from South Africa, he has lived across southern Africa. Prior to moving to Uganda he owned and operated a fishing lodge in Mozambique. Cymon had extensive knowledge of fishing this part of the world and about the general history of Southern Africa. He spoke about salt water fishing, freshwater fishing, operating his lodge, and the joys of angling in Uganda.

Geofrey Sdinko and Henry Tinkasimmone are fishing guides on Lake Victoria in Uganda. They discussed what it's like guiding for Wild Safaris, what it was like growing up on or near the lake, and they exchanged some stories about their favorite fish they have caught while out guiding. The two men explained the local practices of fishing for the local fish, tilapia and perch, and how they make money off of the fish.

John Faust is a lifelong angler who was born in Stevensville, Montana and currently lives near Hamilton, Montana. He spoke about the past, present, and future of angling in the Big Sky State. John shares some fishing stories as well as the concerns, including climate change, that he has for the future of angling.

Helena and Carlos Ramirez are a married couple from Bogota, Columbia, who operate a farm, angling park, and restaurant. In this interview, they discuss the challenges of raising trout, climate change, the culture of angling in Columbia, and their love of fishing. She mainly runs the business; he is the chef.

Eduardo Campuzano owns a fishing lodge, Campucocha Ecological Reserve and Fishing Lodge, near Quito, Ecuador. He is an avid angler and dedicated conservationist. He speaks about the culture of fishing in Ecuador, his favorite rivers, the trout found in local waters, and his concerns about pollution and climate change.

John Hatch lives in Colonia Juarez, Mexico, where his family has lived for four generations. Hatch has been fishing for trout in the area since he was a child and he now helps a team of biologists catch fish. Hatch converses about fishing in Mexico as well as his deep ties to the activity. He describes in depth how the environment and fishing has changed since he was a child. Hatch finishes the interview by mentioning the importance of passing a love for the outdoors down to your children and grandchildren.

Pedro Mendoza is a boat captain and fishing guide in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In this interview he discussed fishing in Mexico, his passion for angling, and shares some of his favorite fishing stories.

Martin Diaz is a boat captain and fishing guide in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he helped catch a world record tuna. Diaz discusses where he found his love for fishing, and explains some of the best aspects of fishing in the waters of Cabo, and what it means to be a fishing guide. Fishing plays a major role in Diaz's life which is seen in the way he speaks about his love for guiding.

Jure Ramovz was interviewed in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He talks about fisheries management, specifically the downsides of hatchery fish in wild rivers and overfishing in Slovenia. Ramovz has been fishing, tying flies, and making his own lures since he was a child.

Warren Vanderhill is an historian and a professor at Ball State University in Indiana. His love for fishing started at an early age when a friend of his parents took him fishing on the Battenkill River. He discovered fly fishing while in Colorado for graduate school and has since traveled the world practicing his casts everywhere from Alaska to Belize.

Roberto Olascoaga Moran is a seasoned captain and fishing guide in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Born into a family deeply rooted in sport fishing, Moran shares insights into his life, discussing defining characteristics, achievements, and the evolving practices in the fishing industry. His passion for species like tuna and marlin is evident as he reflects on challenges such as conservation and responsible fishing. The interview captures Moran's commitment to passing on knowledge, addressing the industry's changing dynamics, and emphasizing environmental stewardship.

Héctor Espinosa is a professor and curator of the National Fish Collection at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. On top of being a professor and curator, Héctor has also helped discover various species of native Mexican trout. The conversation focuses on the work Hector does at the university as well as the state of Mexico's trout and waterways.

Jim Loringer owns Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton, Montana. On top of being very knowledgable about everything fishing, Jim also spent some time working with the Forest Service. The interview includes the state of Montana's fisheries, the importance of national parks, and much more. Loranger speaks on our contemporary issues within the field of angling, such as the controversy of hatchery fish, population management, and youth participation in the sport.

Thomas Gomez works at La Trucha trout pond on the outskirts of Bogota, Columbia. In this interview he talks about the presence of trout in Columbia, the importance of trout ponds for getting children interested in fishing, and showed us how he cleans and prepares trout for eating.

Manuel Jordan grew up and lives in Lima, Peru. He has fished all over South America and is also a skilled free diver who harvests octopus for sale in the local markets. In this interview, he discusses what makes fishing special in Peru, the importance of keeping wild places wild, and how he has witnessed changes in the environment over the course of his lifetime, including changes in rain patterns which have in turned changed the spawning habits of several local fish species.

Peter Gorinsky was born in Guyana and moved to Costa Rica over 40 years ago. A medical savant and life time angler, he talks about his life and the developments that had lead him to where he was at the time. His original views were spawned from growing up in a tough situation and fishing was a necessity. Growing up for him fishing provided food for a lot of members of his family. In particular, he talks about a story where his grandma every day would take corn down to the water to catch a Pacu and then make soup. That is when he learned the vitality of fishing along with the delicacy that is sucking the eyes out of a fishes skull. He talks about how over time he has seen trout stocked there and its one of the main reasons that area caught his eye, he also talks about how there is barely any boats there and how they're exclusive to only to the super rich; but he and his group pioneered the concept of running charters and it caught on. He also talks about the readily accessible fishing opportunities down there. The fish selection is remarkably diverse and the ecosystem supports almost all types of fish. One of his final thoughts for the interview can be summed up in a few words: Every time you go outside you interact with the environment, every interaction no matter how seemingly small it has some impact, tread lightly be careful and help the environment so your kids and your kids kids can enjoy the same nature you do.

Chuck Stranahan is from California and tells his story related to fly fishing, fly tying, and conservation from the time of his childhood up through his adult life. Chuck was interviewed in Hamilton, Montana, at his shop, Chuck Stranahan's Flies and Guides. The conversation ranged from native trout species and the importance of national parks, changes in the weather, and favorite fishing stories. Chuck has been fishing the waters of Southwest Montana for a long time, and he lent his vast knowledge to this interview.

Grant Soukup (also known as Montana Grant) is from Garrett County, Maryland. Grant has been fishing in Montana for a long time and he's also a outdoor writer, primarily focusing on angling and hunting. The interview includes conversation about native fishes, Grant's writing process, invasive species in Yellowstone National Park, and one story about fishing with a US president. Grant explains the knowledge his past mentors who taught him what he strives to pass on to others. He also describes the ways in which a fly fisherman can reach their full potential.

Rob Grasso learned fishing from his dad at a young age out on the boat together in New Jersey. He says that it was instilled in their family and they were going out good weather or not. Grasso spent a lot of time in California and saw how protecting marine areas was beneficial. In the 1950s, trout began to be introduced to high mountain lakes where they were historically found. This prompted anglers and outdoorsmen to hike miles up to these lakes to fish. The problem was that the fishermen would take all of the fish from the lake, leaving it in need of more stocked fish. Grasso talks about the rainbow trout and how, while it is not a native fish to the area, it is still accepted and targeted by anglers. He also talks about the genetic engineering of trout species by hatcheries to make a fish better suited for higher elevation. Grasso talks extensively of the struggles of native fish competing with newly introduced fish. For instance, cutthroat trout sharing habitat space with Brown trout can be detrimental to the cutthroat. There is also the concept that while a species may not be native, they may not be hurting the ecosystem. The changing weather and droughts in California affect the trout greatly, and is making it harder to understand the fish. Also, with farmers needing water for irrigation, there is less water for fish habitat.

Charles Rangely-Wilson talks about his start as an angler, his passion for fly fishing, and about his career as a writer. He shares some of his extensive knowledge about native and non-native fish species globally, and how certain species of trout and salmonids were transported around the world. He also shares the motivations behind three of his books; Somewhere Else, Silt Road: The Story of a Lost River, and Sliver Shoals.

Richard May, a former naval officer, became interested in fly fishing for trout and became concerned about the state's management of trout fisheries. He helped formed California trout, a group of around a dozen anglers, to address trout management and preserve salmon and Steelhead rivers. They began with a small project in Chester County, where they used volcanic stones to help create a spawning area. This concept of natural trout management was labeled the wild trout program, adopted by California, and a dozen streams were placed in an issue nationally. However, the trout populations were dominated by non-game fish, and the population of trout increased significantly over time. May goes on to discuss the trout fishing industry in California, focusing on the Steelhead trout and salmon. He discuss the importance of trust management in managing resources, and how anglers have become politicians, spending time in state agencies and legislatures to protect their resources. He also discusses the challenges of preserving endangered species and the importance of addressing overfishing. He speaker emphasizes the need for more restrictive regulations, such as limiting overfishing and ensuring the health of rivers. May then goes on to talk about restoration of water in California's Mono Lake, which was dying due to lack of water from streams. He highlights the importance of restoring streams and preventing excessive water withdrawal. He also discusses the state's proposed mandate to restore water into the upper San Jaun River, aiming to restore salmon runs into the Sierra through the delta of San Francisco Bay. May emphasizes the need for more right-minded people to understand the problem and stand up for it. he mentions the importance of attracting young anglers and young adults to join conservation groups like Cal trout, which focuses on fishing first and fishing second. He also mentions the importance of collaborating with professionals like biologists and the University of California at Davis, who provide advice and counsel. The speaker concludes by stating that there is not enough instant gratification in conservation efforts, but focusing on the resource and addressing the challenges faced.

Jim Adams worked as a fish biologist for most of his life all over the country--including in Yellowstone National Park--and he also started a book collecting business with his wife. Adams holds a wealth of information regarding trout fishing in the U.S. and shares many stories of his life fishing, collecting books and traveling. Topics range from getting drafted in the late 1950s, traveling Europe, proposing to his wife, and the specifics of salmon migration in Alaska's tributaries.

Jim Hepworth reflects on his lifelong connection with fishing, rooted in childhood experiences with his father in Blackfoot, Idaho, as well as his work as a publisher and professor, and his love for angling. Hepworth is a man who has extensive knowledge about trout fishing in the American West. He vividly describes his earliest fishing memories at age 2 or 3, using a toy rod. Hepworth recalls significant moments, such as childhood territorial disputes over fish, and fishing from a horse with his cousin. He explains his evolving perspective on fishing, wanting to be a complete angler in harmony with life and nature. The interview takes an intellectual turn as Hepworth speaks on the philosophy of fly fishing, drawing inspiration from Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It" and advocating for ethical and sustainable fishing practices. The conversation explores various topics, including the historical and cultural parts of fishing, the influence of Native American traditions, and the ancient roots of fly fishing. Hepworth references notable figures in the fishing and literary world, such as Paul Bertrand Walton, Reverend MacLean, and Edward Abbey. Hepworth shares insights into the lives of influential figures Wallace Stegner and Norman Maclean, both Stanford professors. During the interview they talk about Maclean's experiences, including his abandoned Custer manuscript, his passion for fly fishing, and his struggles with health issues. The discussion covers Maclean's early life, a traumatic incident involving his mother in the Bitterroot River in 1909, his religious background, time in Bozeman, Montana, and contributions as a Presbyterian minister. Hepworth goes on to express concerns about catch-and-release practices and the potential loss of traditional values. He concludes with his ventures into fish printing and combining poetry with fish prints, showcasing the athleticism and skill required in fly fishing.

Hazel Nemes was interviewed on October 16th, 2018. Hazel was first introduced to fishing through books and on her annual family trips from Chicago to Yellowstone. She met her husband, Sylvester Nemes, in England and would watch him fish the River Test. Hazel says that she has only really fished in Montana, and talks about the increase in people fly fishing. As long as there is etiquette on the river it is okay. She tells a story of when she was with her husband in England and they caught a small salmon, which they would normally release. Because there wasn't the idea of catch and release in England at this time, they found a man they felt needed the fish the most.

Tom and Celia O'Connor are the founders of Warriors and Quiet Waters in Montana. Celia grew up in Bozeman and was introduced to fly fishing by her father. Tom grew up in Australia and fished for Brown trout as a kid. They talk about the importance of national parks to preservehabitats for these fish. They also tell a story of fishing for piranha in the Amazon and how they watched the local people use anything they had to catch the fish. The snowmelt from the Andes makes the river rise 16 feet a day, so the homes in the Amazon are built on stilts and prepared for this. However, Tom and Celia described seeing animals floating around them as they fished. They both question whether climate change is the biggest problem for fish. They say to think back historically and realize that the climate is always changing, and likewise so are the species that inhabit it. Tom fished in college for food, Celia did it as a father daughter pastime. Warriors and Quiet Waters is a non-profit organizaiton that takes wounded veterans out fly fishing. They fly six veterans out to Montana, and take them on an all expenses paid adventure to catch trout. They explain the day to day activity and how they slowly get these veterans prepared for the river. They both think it is important to collect oral histories and store them because otherwise they will disappear. Tom says without it, twenty years from now someone might say, "Who is Bud Lilly?".

Justin Cahill is from Auckland, New Zealand, where he manages the Rod and Reel tackle shop. In this interview, he speaks about fly fishing in New Zealand, subsistence fishing, and his concerns about climate change and pollution.

Gerry Closs is a freshwater ecologist in New Zealand. In this interview, talks about his relationships with fishing whether it be hand line fishing, fly fishing or spin fishing. Closs grew up in England and Australia fishing, but really fell in love with the life history of the fish themselves and how interesting their life cycle is, hidden underneath the water surface. Closs also touches on the fisheries population, health and regulations in New Zealand and how they are constantly changing. Closs ends the interview with talking about why he is so interested in fish and salmonids, specifically and how unique and resilient they are when it comes to their life cycle, how they migrate, and how they spawn and reproduce.

Murray Knowles, an experienced angler and guide, recounts his lifelong fishing journey on the Te Anau, the south island of New Zealand, dating back to his childhood in the mid-1940s. Starting at the age of seven or eight, Knowles began fly fishing, emphasizing it being preferred over spin fishing in his early years. He describes New Zealand's evolving fishing landscape, which has moved from Brown trout dominance to the rise of rainbow trout and salmon in high-country rivers. He also reflects on environmental changes, including dam projects and the introduction of didymo, which is a non-native algae that suffocates rivers. After explaining the impact of irrigation on rivers and the decline of once-thriving fishing spots, Knowles shares insights into his guiding practices and how they have been affected over time. He explains how there are much fewer fish caught on an average day guiding than there used to be. The interview moves into the cultural shift from keeping every fish caught to the utilization of catch and release methods, which are helping keep trout populations stable. Despite climatic and human-caused changes over the years, Knowles still finds enjoyment in the simplicity of being in nature and hopes to continue fishing as long as he can.

Casey Cravens is originally from West Texas, where he said it was hard--but not impossible--to fish for trout. Cravens moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1993 to become a professional guide. While he only intended to stay in New Zealand for a few years, the landscape and the water kept him there. In this interview, talks about his experiences guiding in New Zealand, the health of New Zealand's fisheries, and where he found his passion for angling.

Steve Saunders, a local in Te Anua, New Zealand, discusses his passion for angling and his work as a fishing guide in New Zealand. Saunders has been fishing in New Zealand for most of his life. He speaks of the fishing of his childhood and how angling is both a livelihood and favorite pastime of his.

Neil Watson recently retired as the Chief Executive of Otago Fish and Game in New Zealand, and was back to work finishing a project at the time of this interview. The Council manages fish such as trout, Salmon, and perch, and game birds. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and chinook salmon were introduced as game fish in New Zealand in the colonization era. trout have healthy populations throughout the region, though agricultural nutrient runoff and development that results in soil discharges is leading them to decline. East coast salmon runs have been declining and causing concern. Almost all the fish populations are wild, and fly fishing has increased in popularity. The Council is funded from license sales, which offers some independence from other parts of the government. Watson thinks the biggest negative impact on the fisheries is input from intensive agriculture and land development. Otherwise, he thinks guided angling needs closer managing because of the pressure it puts on iconic fish species. Watson wishes that people wouldn't take fisheries for granted and that they would put pressure on those who could improve water quality, habitats, and fisheries.

Monty Wright is from New Zealand where he works as the Otago Chairman for the Otago Fish and Game Council. His primary focus is on fisheries and waterfowl in the Otago region. During the interview he shared stories of fishing over his lifetime. Wright described how the Council functions, including the problems they face and things he has done while working there. From competition fishing, fly tying, and his own angling interviews, Monty had a vast amount of knowledge to share.

John MacLean is a lifelong angler, author and environmentalist. In the interview he shares his family's fishing history, his concerns for the future of angling, the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment, and stories about fishing with his father, Norman MacLean. He speaks about fishing the Blackfoot river with his dad and how concerned he is with the overuse of the river today by guides and floaters. John, like his father, has written about forest fires and the role of fires in the environment. He also reflects on his father's book, Young Men And Fire, and the similarities between the South Canyon and Mountain Gulch fires.

Alex Bellissimo owns a guiding business just north of Sydney, Australia and has been fishing the saltwater of Australia for most of his life. The interview takes place on Dee Why Beach. Alex describes his beach and rock fishing business, including the species they target, his clients, and how educating anglers is key to fisheries health. Alex also speaks on the state of Australia's fisheries and how he has seen them change over 40 years of fishing. Throughout he speaks of his love of the sport and guiding.

In this interview, Barry Cross describes his fishing experiences in different countries. Barry started fishing when he was quite young. When Barry was young, his father fished at times in northern New South Wales, Australia, where Barry initially lived. As a young man, Barry drew lots of pleasure from accompanying his father on various fishing expeditions and over time, Barry became a skilled fisherman. The interview includes ample insights into the typical experiences of fly fishermen, especially the ones partaking in saltwater fly fishing. Barry draws a lot of pleasure from making and meeting new friends from across the globe – he is markedly drawn toward those running fisheries or engaging in other aspects of the fishing industry.

Justin Dugan is an Australian born and raised in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Justin is the owner of a fly fishing charter based out of Sydney. During his interview, Justin recounts how he originally got into fishing and how he made the transition from spinner rods to fly fishing. He explains why fly fishing is such an important aspect of his life, and how fly fishing is more of an art and connection to the environment than a sport.

Jason Hamilton started his journey as a fisherman through working on his dad's tuna boat as a young man. He went on to spend about 20 years building aluminum fishing boats before changing his career to become a fishing guide around Sydney, Australia. Jason talked about how his father practiced sustainable fishing practices by using a rod over nets to catch tuna, and how he continues that tradition with only targeting sustainable species and encouraging his clients to release their catches. He voiced his concerns about climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

In this interview, Nick Kelly recounts a life based around fishing. Growing up in Victoria, Australia, he learned to fish from his father, then transitioned from beginnings in recreational fishing to the charter business on the Great Barrier Reef. Nick explains some shifts in regulations, detailing the evolution from an open fishery in recent history to the introduction of green zones and protective measures on the Reef. He also reflects on the changing landscape of the Great Barrier Reef and discusses the impacts of climate change and sediment runoff. He emphasizes the importance of well-managed resources in general. Finally, he offers insights into local environmental pressures and the delicate balance between conservation and fishing practices.

Peter La Blang, an experienced angler and fishing guide, shares captivating stories of his life and adventures in the world of fishing. Born and raised in Sydney, La Blang discusses his early exposure to fishing, guided by his father and grandfather. The interview provides insights into his diverse experiences, from catching barramundi in New Guinea to navigating the waters of Pittwater in Australia. La Blang elaborates on the evolving fishing industry, noting changes in technology, environmental challenges, and the importance of sustainable practices. He delves into the impact of weather patterns, habitat changes, and human activities on aquatic species. La Blang also emphasizes the significance of oral history in preserving fishing traditions and environmental awareness. Throughout the conversation, he explains various fishing techniques, highlights favorite species like kingfish, and addresses the joys of introducing his daughters to the art of fishing. The interview aims to spread light on Peter's rich experiences, expertise, and reflections on the dynamic world of fishing, emphasizing environmental conservation and passing down traditions to future generations.

Walter Maniken, a marine electrician who is a deckhand for Deep Sea Charters, grew up in Victoria, Australia fishing for Flathead and Snapper. He enjoys the quietness and relaxation of the boat, especially when there's a small crowd. He's also a fan of what he calls his "bread and butter fish", including Whiting, Flathead, and Bream. He's on a bucket list for Marlin fishing in tropical North Queensland.

Cray McGill, a seasoned angler and fishing guide, talks about his passion for fishing, including his experiences of both fresh and saltwater angling in and around Australia. Reflecting on his extensive career as a fishing guide on Sydney Harbour, McGill discusses the evolving intensity of the fishing scene in the city. The interview includes topics such as the dangers of Australian wildlife, environmental concerns impacting fisheries, and McGill's global fishing aspirations, including a desire to explore South America and Japan. Beyond the thrill of angling, McGill emphasizes the importance of involving youth in the sport and emphasizes the balance between being an angler and contributing to the protection of wild areas.

Neil Patterson is an enthusiastic author and journalist. Patterson has previously trained and worked as an advertiser. In most instances, he writes about fishing. According to Patterson, writing is rather exciting – and for him, writing is almost always about excitement. Patterson often pens articles and books regarding the areas where he goes fishing. He often writes about flies, especially flies he designed. According to him, his fishing writings are not in any way technical writings. Over the years, he has learned more and more about fishing and is keen on learning more about fishing going forward. Continuous learning, constant learning, or lifelong learning entails gaining new knowledge, information, and skills on a continuous or ongoing basis. It is the unremitting development of people in response to emerging needs and external developments. He often travels for recreational fishing, which he finds to be quite fascinating.

David Profumo discusses his early introduction to fishing by his elderly uncle, a World War I fighter ace. He emphasizes the importance of mentors and laments the challenges in attracting the next generation to outdoor activities. Profumo shares his experiences fishing in his native England and different countries his travels have taken him, highlighting concerns about declining salmon stocks. He touches on the impact of water extraction and environmental issues on fishing. He mentions his involvement with Fishing for Schools, a charity introducing inner-city individuals to fishing. Profumo also reflects on the literary aspects of fishing and its emotional and spiritual significance, emphasizing its role as a form of concentration and connection with nature. He expresses worries about the future of angling in an increasingly urbanized and secularized Britain.

Jez Chalong lives in Phuket, Thailand, and runs Chalong Fishing Park where he, his wife, and his business partners built a fishing lake. Originally from Australia, he moved to Thailand nearly a decade ago after meeting his now-wife there. In this interview, he speaks about the business, type of fish stocked, the issues with keeping the waters and fish healthy, and the number and types of anglers that frequent the lake.

Borut Jerse was the former president of the Slovenia Fishing Association, and currently the honorary president of the organization as well as a member to the board of the European Angling Alliance. During the interview, Jerse had much to say on the work of these two organizations, the current state of fishing in and around Slovenia, and what is offered for tourists coming to fish in Slovenia. From Salmon, Trout, and Grayling, Slovenia has a lot of familiar, but different species to offer than in the United States.

Rok Lustrik began fly fishing at the age of twelve and has since started a guiding operation in Slovenia. Lustrik highlights Slovenia's two watersheds, the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, and targets native fish such as European Grayling, Brown trout, and Huchen. He believes that fishing is a lifestyle and a never-ending learning curve, with cycles in life and nature. Lustrik's biggest concern is global warming, which is leading to lower river levels and warmer water species. Lustrik acknowledges that the current fishing in Slovenia has remained consistent since World War II, but he has seen an increase in fishing pressure due to the evolution of fly and nymph fishing. He goes on to discuss the evolution of fishing techniques and the importance of local knowledge in catching fish. He also mentions the diversity of the Marble trout, and the evolution of European-style nymphing, tungsten beads, thinner tepid, and better equipment. He also discusses the importance of hiring a knowledgeable guide to help navigate the vast water and find the best spots for fishing.

Dejan Pehar is one of Slovenia's Research Institute officials. The Research Institute is a public institute that the country's government put it in place in 2006. In the interview, Pehar offers insights into the roles that the Institute and related agencies have been playing in the country's fishing industry. The country boasts of a very long fishing tradition even though it is a landlocked country. In the country, there is widespread pond fish farming which has, since medieval times, helped in preserving the country's fish stocks. Also, fish (especially Trout and Carp) are produced in various recirculation systems and flow-through systems. According to Pehar, the Institute has long focused on various programs aimed at preserving and growing the country's fish resources. For example, the Institute is doing a lot towards ensuring there is as little water pollution as possible across the country.

Dauren Valiyev was born in the USSR, lives in what is now modern day Kazakhstan, and is a businessman and entrepreneur. His business, which centers around eco-tourism, is run by his cousin, who was one of the first people to summit Mount Everest in 1982. They've done everything from trekking to mountain biking as well as fishing and climbing. Valiyev talks about his motivation, mentioning many things specifically focused around the nomadic lifestyle. He mentions almost every country in Europe and how they are interconnected, and talks about the catfish fishing in France and Spain. One of his finishing remarks that is important today is that America is welcoming and has great hospitality, friendship, and above all, diversity.

Alexander Kryzhnenko, a Ukrainian fisherman, offers insights into his lifetime of fishing. Kryzhnenko speculates on the history of fishing, ranging from early recollections around riverbanks to the current fishing scene in the Ukraine. He draws attention to issues facing the environment, such as how chemical fertilizers affect the availability of water. The interview covers a range of places, from childhood rivers to the wildlife recovery area around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station. Kryzhnenko highlights the need for balance while expressing concerns about how contemporary distractions are affecting the interest of younger generations in fishing. The discussion offers a moving meditation on changing fishing gear, environmental issues, and the need for sustainable practices to protect the vulnerable relationship between humans and the environment.

Aslam Jourun works as a professional fisherman in Mahébourg, Mauritius, in East Africa. During the interview Jourun talks about his upbring and introduction to fishing, what species he fishes for, and how environmental factors and climate change are impacting his local fisheries.

Kebrabe Matewos has experience in tourism management and has worked for various companies as a guide in Ethipoia. They aim to enhance their guided tours and encourage companies to work on different types of tours, such as fishing and exploring the Bali Mountians and Great Rift Parks. Matewos discusses the challenges of wildlife tourism and the need for sustainable growth. Tourism is the backbone of the economy and is needed for them to thrive.

Anwar Kausmally, inspired to be a fisherman by his father, recounts his lifelong angling journey. Starting with a small, engineless boat at 17, he upgraded many times over the years. He explains his fishing method, which involves rod fishing in lagoons for small bait, and then targeting larger fish beyond the reef. He also recalls some noteworthy catches, including a 36-kilo squid. Kausmally also talks about environmental degradation, mentioning increased pollution, reduced bait numbers, and disruptions from net fishermen. He says that extensive net fishing and an increased number of boats are killing too many baitfish to be sustainable. Although his focus is on larger species, this still affects his ability to gather bait. Anwar also must adapt to unpredictable weather changes during trips, and he notes significant climatic shifts from the past. In navigating these increasing challenges, he displays commitment to traditional fishing methods. The interview was conducted with the help of interpreter Mr. M. Ale, who rendered Kausmally's French Creole into English.

Raj Searumsum has been a commercial fisherman for 40 years in his home country, Mauritius. His interest in becoming a fisherman was sparked when he began spending time with the fisherman of his town. Searumsum speaks to how fishing has changed throughout his lifetime, shown by diminishing populations of fish and an excessive population of fishermen. He explains how the decline in fish populations is due to human waste, such as plastic bags, and fertilizer runoff that makes its way into the ocean. Searumsum explains that although being a fisherman is a hard life, he still loves it.

Tom Lewin has spent his life in southern Africa, doing as much fishing as possible, in places like the Zambezi river, and Johannesburg, where he runs a fly shop. Lewin is one of the first members of his family that has a history of fishing. Without outside influence, Lewin has spent his whole life, as far as he can remember, spending time with a line in the water. He notes a clear change in the environment around him over time, including altered timing of rainfall, lack of water in areas and increased extreme weather events.

The founder of Kati Farms Uganda Limited, Lovin Kobusingye outlines her journey of establishing a fish processing business and overcoming marketing challenges. She and another woman initiated the business, prioritizing inclusivity by employing 60% women and 40% men, with a focus on hiring young people. She explains how her breakthrough came with the idea of fish sausages, a product that significantly extends the shelf life of fish. This idea's success led to international recognition and awards, fueling her business development even further. She emphasizes the impact of the business, both in providing employment and helping locals have better diets. Concerns about climate change affecting fish populations and the importance of sustainable practices are also mentioned. Looking forward, Lovin envisions expanding the business into an international company, with new markets in Nigeria and Japan. The interview ends with her message of encouragement for women, emphasizing the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving dreams.

Gideon Benade is from Harare, Zimbabwe, and discusses the fishing club he is a part of, some of the work his club does, and about the importance of getting more youth involved in the sport of angling. Gideon also outlines competitions he has won as well as the love and passion he has for fishing with his children and passing down his knowledge to them.

Gordon Brown is from Harare, Zimbabwe. In this interview, he discusses catch and release fishing in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe fishing organizations, and his concerns about climate change and pollution.

Michael Dunn explains his experiences as a fisherman and angler, particularly in Zimbabwe. He has also engaged in fishing in other countries in the past – the countries include Seychelles, Mozambique, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Dunn started fishing as early as three years old. Dunn explains that he has been a committed member of a rather fast-growing angler club based in Zimbabwe. Michael offers lots of important insights into how fishing and fish breeding are carried out in Zimbabwean small streams and fish dams. In recent years, there have been various challenges bedeviling the fishing industry in Zimbabwe, including uninhibited fish poaching. There has been lots of fish poaching in the country's fish systems in recent times. According to Dunn, the challenges can be significantly addressed by improving the people's economic prospects, slowing down climate change, and having angler clubs in the country collaborate with the systems' host communities. The other topics that the interview delves into include the country's economic downturn and its effects on fishing stocks around the country.

George Simon was born and raised on the eastern islands of Zimbabwe. He grew up adventuring rivers and fly fishing trout with his father. He talks about the poor management of water systems in the area and some of the adverse effects that it has on the water system. He also mentions that a dream fishing location would be Alaska or Montana, he also wants to fly fish the Maldives and the Seychelles. He also brings up how fishing is sometimes hit or miss; sometimes you're just having a rough go but it's important to stick with it. To him, fishing is all about just being out there, getting outside and just trying to catch fish.

In this interview, Grant Giles shares his fishing experiences, especially in Zimbabwe, which is one of the poorest economies globally. According to Giles, fishing has been a significant component of his upbringing and his people's culture. Fishing is the main economic mainstay of many people in Zimbabwe. He says that fish populations in the country have been diminishing, so there is a need to ensure that there are enough fish breeding stocks. There is a need to ensure that the fishing industry in the country is made sustainable again. According to Giles, the industry can be made sustainable again if overfishing is banned and if people's mindsets are changed accordingly. There is a need for more and more investments in fishing developments and facilities across the country.

Clive Harris, who was close to 70 years old when this interview takes place, reflects on how he got into fishing. He says that because his father was an avid angler, he fished with him from the time he could walk. He talks fondly of his time spent in the mountains in Colorado, searching for trout. Clive spent time competitively fishing in Zimbabwe, and he would pick a national fishing team that would compete in an event in America every year. Now that is not happening for various reasons, including Zimbabwe's growing population, and the lack of water and fish regulations and control. There is unregulated netting and spearfishing in the country. It is simply put, corrupt, and now it has become much harder to catch the fish out there. Clive says that he used to fish 52 weekends a year. But, now with the growing population and urban sprawl in these less populated areas, he found the traffic to be too unbearable to keep those numbers up. He does not see the changing weather as a problem for the fishing. Clive then switches gears back to Zimbabwe and talks about the Zambezi River and a time he spent seven days there, hooking thirteen fish, and landing one. The fish he landed was approximately 75 pounds (Clive calls this the highlight of his fishing career). The fish they lost, Clive says, were over 100 pounds.

Geraldine Ingram, interviewed on March 19, 2019, shares her rich fishing experiences spanning over several decades. The conversation centers around her passion for fishing, primarily in the waters of Kreeber and Kariba in Zimbabwe, with additional mentions of Barra for deep-sea fishing and Pandanica for Goliath Tiger. Geraldine's journey began in 1979, evolving into her participation in tiger tournaments with her husband since around 1991. Geraldine discusses the joys of fishing, finding it both relaxing and enjoyable. She shares her disappointment at having to break a 40-year fishing record due to family obligations. The conversation moves into the challenges faced by the fishing community, such as poaching, netting, and environmental concerns like pollution. Geraldine shares stories, such as a dramatic encounter with a crocodile attempting to snatch a caught fish and Geraldine's desire to catch a Goliath Tiger despite the inherent risk. The interview paints a comprehensive picture of Geraldine's fishing life, capturing her dedication to tournaments, the thrill of fishing, and the fishing community in Zimbabwe.

Derek Mason is a member of a fly-fishing club and a campfire project called Fly-fishing Zimbabwe, which aims to resuscitate trout fishing in the Nyanga, Eastern Islands, specifically the Rhodes Nyanga National Park. The project involves raising funds to help the park restock fisheries and clear rivers of invasive species. Mason enjoys the solitude associated with fishing, which is also good for the soul. Mason discusses the biggest problem for trout is habitat loss and harvest pressure while he does believe that climate change and rising water temperatures will become problematic in the future. He has a bucket list of places to fish, including ocean fishing, Patagonia, and New Zealand. Mason believe it is essential to encourage young people to participate in sport fishing and pass on knowledge to the next generation.

Trevor Michael is a lifelong angler who lives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is passionate about preserving angling opportunities and preserving wild places in Zimbabwe and actively works with both government and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). He talks about the impact of eco-tourism in Zimbabwe's national parks, fisheries, and the political history of his country. Michael also shares fishing stories that involve encounters with African wildlife.

Mateo Fundora is from Havana, Cuba, where he founded and represents the Cuban Sports Fishing Federation. In his interview he talks about the Federation, the health of Cuban fisheries, climate change, and Hemingway's impact on Cuban fishing culture.

Jorge Martinez, a descendant of a fisherman family in Cuba, has been fishing since he was five years old. In the interview he mentions how he has seen a decline in fish populations due to overfishing and pollution. The Cuban Sport Fishing Federation and government are working to clean water in bays and rivers, and to reduce the number of fish caught in tournaments. They have introduced catch and release methods; Martinez believes that this will help feed families and protect the population of fish in Cuba. He goes on to share his experiences with fishing, highlighting the importance of concentrating on one's actions and catching fish for future generations. He shares a memorable moment with a bass fishing, and emphasizes the importance of dams in maintaining water resources and promoting freshwater features.

An owner of a fishing shop in Cambodia, Kimmy Kung, talks about her company. She specializes in providing wholesale and repair services for fishing gear that is imported from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Kimmy's husband got her into fishing, and she loves to catch snakehead fish. Although the shop is open all year round, August through December is the best time for fishing in Cambodia. Even though her fishing is restricted by her job, Kimmy still wants to catch a variety of large fish in the ocean. The interview provides information on Kimmy's enthusiasm, the fishing industry in Cambodia, and her wish to go fishing more often.

The owner of the Rod and Reel Tackle Shop in Cambodia, Eung Lay, offers insights into the rising fishing culture in the area. Established in 2017, the tackle shop serves a wide range of customers, including those looking for offshore adventures as well as bass and snakehead enthusiasts. Eung Lay talks about the kinds of fish that are popular in Cambodia, highlighting the relationship between fishing and regional food. He emphasizes how relaxing and in tune with nature fishing can be. Despite obstacles such as fluctuations in the market and the requirement for imported gear, Eung Lay shares his passion for fishing and his aspiration to discover the varied fishing spots in Cambodia. The interview offers an insight into the changing fishing landscape in Cambodia as well as the cultural importance of this pastime.

Myo Si Thu Maung is a Burmese fisherman who started fishing at the age of five and has been involved in the hobby since 2000. He enjoys saltwater fishing, where he finds many fish species, including Marlin and Giant Trevally. He has a fishing group in Myanmar and has learned about traditional fishing methods in Japan. He is interested in the variety of fish, especially Snakehead, and has visited Japan several times.

David Pho is a tackle shop owner and guide in the Yangon Region of Myanmar who takes tourists fishing for Snakehead and Catfish in the area. David tells some of his fishing stories in this interview, and also about his true love for fishing and how that's all he thinks about when going around the region.

In this interview Guy Macilwaine lifelong passion for fly fishing, inspired by his grandfather, Major Herbert Macilwaine, who was an Army major in Rhodesia. Macilwaine built lakes in the Eastern Highlands, stocking them with trout. From this he started an exclusive fishing club on the Gairezi River, a beautiful piece of water in southern Africa. The Gairezi Fishing Club, which has grown from 20 members to 100, is a prestige club for fishing in Zimbabwe. Macilwaine, now semi-retired, shares his knowledge of these rivers and their history. The Gairezi Valley in Zimbabwe has managed to maintain its fishing by introducing a campfire project, which is a project where members supply the community with corn seeds and fertilizer in return for allowing fishing access. This income is then used to build cottages, with half going back into the community. The campfire project is the only one still surviving in Zimbabwe. The group is also working to restore the deteriorating rivers in national parks by restocking them and making them fishable. At the end of the interview, Macilwaine described one incident that involved a hippo attacking their boat, but the group managed to avoid frightening the guests.

Domingo Novo is from Cuba and helps run an annual fishing competition with teams coming to compete all across the world. The tournament is based on frequency of catches, not the size of fish. Another part of the competition is the fish must be released back into the water alive, unless it is a harvestable fish in which an additional prize is given and the boat will keep the meat. There is no live bait allowed, only dead bait and artificial lures. The goal of the tournament is to bring tourism to the country. It is more for tourists than the local people.

Carol Hemingway grew up in the Midwest, where she was first exposed to the fishing world by her parents. It wasn't until much later, however, that she really got into the sport. In this interview, Hemingway describes how she learned to fly fish, what it means to her to do so, how she cooks her trout, and her concerns about the increase of fishermen on the rivers. She talks about what is special to her about angling and why she loves the waters of Montana.

Patrick Hemingway, a celebrated angler and adventurer and son of author Ernest Hemingway, recounts his fishing-filled life, spanning from Cook City, Montana's trout streams to saltwater experiences in Key West, Florida. Hemingway shares vivid recollections of family outings, highlighting his brother Jack's pivotal role as a fly fishing guide. The topics of this interview range from exploring the evolution of fishing techniques, advancements in tackle, and the growing popularity of fly fishing. Hemingway narrates tales of exploring Africa's highland trout streams and engaging in saltwater fly fishing in Tanzania. He expresses concerns about the impact of population growth on outdoor sports and the environment.

Alan Greenwood's first memory of fishing is with his uncle in Joliette, Illinois. He developed a specific fondness for trout and catching them. This later turned to protecting them when the Rainbow trout was declared a nuisance to the Royal Toad. This was proven to be false, due to the fact that toads are toxic and experiments showed trout spitting out toad larvae when fed them. Greenwood spent a lot of time fighting this false claim and even threatened to sue the Forest Service over it.

This interview offers insights into the lifelong fishing journey of fly fishing enthusiast Steve Piper. The talk touches on Piper's early days of fishing in Southern California, his varied experiences in fresh and salt water, and his important trips to places like Christmas Island. In addition to sharing stories of his experiences landing different species, such as Makos and Bonefish, Piper also discusses the difficulties and developments he has seen in California's fisheries over the years. Beyond his fishing weaknesses, Piper explores his career as a geochemist, talking about the significance of CO2 measurements and recognizing the uncertainties in climate science. During the interview, Piper conveys an immense admiration for the nuances of the natural world and the never-ending educational opportunities that accompany a lifetime of fly fishing.

Dan Wade is a charter for H&M Landing in San Diego, California, who has a lot of knowledge about the state of California's fisheries and the fishing industry in general. Wade grew up fishing in Oregon catching Rainbow trout, but as his passion and interest in fishing grew, he started fishing saltwater and found a home there. Now Wade is fishing and chartering for fish like Tuna, Marlin, and Yellowtail.

Chuck Waterman is very passionate about the conservation of fisheries and the protection of the environment and ecosystems of those fisheries. He is involved in a few fly fishing organizations, such as the Golden State Flycasters and Cal Trout, and the conservation work those organizations are doing around the San Diego area. Waterman is an avid angler and fly tyer and he shared a lot about his passion for angling and the information he has gathered. Waterman stated that it doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant to get into fishing; anyone can do it just by going to a local pond or lake and using whatever they have or can find. It doesn't matter if it's a spinning rod and bait or a fly rod and hand tied flies, Waterman welcomes everyone into angling.

William Wilkerson, a charter for H&M Landing, shares his experience growing up chartering and being a fisherman in and around southern California. Wilkerson shares his experience learning to fish and how those experiences lead to him taking his career path. He describes being out on the water as a spiritual experience, where no matter how chaotic it is, it is peaceful. Though Wilkerson is a professional saltwater fisherman, he expresses his desire to catch different types of fish across the world, like King Salmon, Halibut, and Freshwater bass.

Louie Zimm has been in the commercial fishing and commercial sports fishing industry since he was a teenager. Additionally, he sits on the Pacific Fisheries Management Council that helps to create federal fishing regulations in the United States. Zimm is extremely knowledgeable about the laws and regulations for commercial fishers, and he had a lot to say about the intricacies of fishing in the United States. Zimm covered fisheries of all types in his interview and has vast knowledge on all of them; from saltwater to alpine streams to the Great Lakes, Zimm had information on it. Throughout this interview Zimm showed great care and a drive to protect the fisheries from overfishing and many other factors that may drive them to diminish.

Bayaraa Bayarsaikhan grew up in Soviet Eastern Europe and is now a fishing guide in Mongolia. In this interview he explains that until the 1960s fishing was not done in this area because of Buddhist beliefs but increased in the 1970s and 1980s. He speaks about hatcheries, the effects of gold mining, and promoting catch and release in Mongolia. He mentions conservation projects including the River Keepers programs and some work with U.S. universities (University of Wisconsin; University of Nevada, Reno; and California State University).

Nasim Hasan was born in Bangladesh in a town right on a river, and from a young age, was taught how to fish by the elders in his family. Hasan states that fishing is a very common and popular pastime in Bangladesh and that you can see all walks of life come to the water to fish. He was drawn into fishing when he witnessed his neighbor catching a large fish with a cast net. Hasan realized that there was very little information on angling and Bangladesh, and at the same time that he saw that a magazine called Fly Fisherman was calling for articles to be submitted about potential hotspot destinations for angling. Hasan wrote them an article and it got published and Bangladesh was on the proverbial map. Hasan did not stop there, but created a Facebook group that focused on angling in his home country which very quickly became popular. This, along with the article he wrote for Fly Fisherman, created a wave of contacts and information and people who wanted to assist Hasan in building up the story of Bangladesh angling. Hasan is honest with his country and the would-be destination anglers. Even though they don't have 5 star hotels or the nicest food in the world, they have "pure, pristine, raw adventure." He says Bangladesh is a place to enjoy nature from its full stage. The problem now lies in the government and the lack of understanding of what tourism angling can do for their country. He says the rivers in Bangladesh are like gold mines but because of the lack of a department of fisheries they cannot regulate their bodies of water. Hasan worries that the country's growth without caring about the environmental impact will affect the people and wildlife greatly. He worries about the general health of the Bangladesh public. The dumping of garbage in the river is also a huge problem. He also is worried about the changing climate and how that's affecting the everyday behavior of the fish. Hasan says that Catla is the most desired fish in Bangladesh.

Erdenejargal Ochirbat lives in Mongolia and shares his stories, including how he learned how to fish, even though the elders in his area didn't want children learning how to fish. Although he always wanted to partake in the activity, he wasn't allowed until his adulthood, when he went out with friends and decided to finally learn. Later in life he found a teacher online who taught him how to fly fish, and now he spends a lot of his time fishing around the world, tying flies, and enjoying the fresh air in the outdoors, which brings him much joy.

Esentsengel Sukhee talks about the past eight years he has spent fishing and guiding anglers in Mongolia. One of the main rivers he fishes on is called the Shishged in northern Mongolia. It lies within a pristine and remote landscape and still supports a healthy population of taimen, the largest salmonid in the world. He also highlights Mongolia's distinctive position for fly fishing. Its remoteness and massive fish are slowly making it into a world-class destination for fly fishing. This could end up being beneficial for Mongolia by raising awareness for this fragile fishery and supporting conservation. It could also help to employ many Mongolians as the tourism industry becomes more popular there. Sukhee touches on challenges to the fishery, including the impact of global warming and mining on Mongolia's sensitive ecosystems. He also mentions the sometimes unsustainable fishing practices of some of the local population, highlighting the need for education and the introduction of fly fishing to promote catch and release.

Yasuhiro Hamano is a movie director and fly fisher. Hamano says that he started fishing for the same reason that Jimmy Carter became a politician: his father was one. He explains how he prefers emerger flies for his style of fishing, Tenkara. With Japan's growing industry when Hamano was young, he focused on a career in fashion. Years later, Hamano turned back to fishing when he made a career change. Now a producer, he focuses on documentaries, with one filmed driving across the country, giving Hamano the opportunity to fish across most of the United States. His next documentary takes place in Jackson Hole, where he lives for a quarter of the year. This film is focusing on the scenery in the area and why it is important to protect it. He says that the things in nature can teach you to be like the Buddha. A specific story told by Hamano is one where he caught a giant Taimen with little trouble. He asked the sun what he wants him to do for it. He took it as a sign to protect the river he was fishing. So he created, and is currently a chairman of, the Field Conservation Foundation. He told other stories, such as fishing in Alaska when it was so cold that the rivers were frozen over and he finally found a little opening and he caught several Graylings in it. He also gave Jimmy Carter help fishing on the Yellowstone River, and showed him what fly to throw.

Ahouandjnou Moussoukpe owns a small fishing boat and fishes daily in the Gulf of Guinea just outside the capital of Ivory Coast, Abidjan. He recollects his familial connection to angling, while reflecting on his past 40 years of fishing for subsistence and the drastically changing populations around him that directly affect his way of life. He considers how fishing is something his father has always done, almost as a part of their nature to survive, but over time have struggled to make a living off of fishing. Much of this struggle is tied to climate change, tragedy of the commons, and habitat loss.

Allan Overgaard tells the story of his fishing adventures, beginning with early recollections of going Flatfish fishing with his great-grandfather. The discussion follows the development of his fishing passions from simple seabed fishing to making rods and lures and, finally, to fly fishing. Overgaard talks about how fishing, particularly coastal fly fishing for sea runs, is very popular in Denmark and how it was influenced by Scottish and English customs. Concerns are raised about the decline in Atlantic salmon populations in European rivers as a result of an unknown disease, underscoring the effect of climate change on fishing. He also talks about the value of preserving fishing traditions for future generations, the joy of being in nature, and friendship with other anglers.

Árni Baldursson is an Icelandic fisherman who has fished all over the world. In this interview he talks about fishing in his childhood and starting his guiding business in 1987. He explains that although he has fished many of the famous locations and species around the globe, his true love is Atlantic Salmon fishing. He also touches on his concerns about salmon aquaculture in Iceland.

Bri Dostie is a fly fisherwoman who grew up in rural Maine, fishing her entire life and later on learning to fly fish. She talks about how fly fishing is a huge cultural presence in Maine. In this interview, Dostie talks about all the native salmonid species in Maine and how some native populations are rapidly decreasing, like the Atlantic Salmon and Blueback Char, whereas Brook trout are in healthy numbers there. Dostie describes some environmental problems in Maine like the paper mills polluting rivers and climate change creating warmer waters and rising sea levels. Dostie ends with talking about the opportunities working with an all-women's fly fishing club in Maine called Maine Women's Fly Fisher. She also works with Confluence Collective where they restore river complexes and banks. She ends with some of the opportunities that are brought through the women's fly fishing club and how they travel to Montana to fish as well as host other women's clubs from Montana and out west.

Gan Ikhamsuren shares his experience of fishing in Mongolia when he started at 13 years old, starting with small streams and have since shifted to bigger rivers and have gained a significant interest in fishing. Ikhamsuren goes on to mention several of the main problems faced by the fish populations are climate change, mining, and the release of water from rivers. Ikhamsuren also mentions the decline of fish in river systems may also be attributed to the rise of social media and the influence of fishing on people's behavior. Despite these challenges, Ikhamsuren acknowledges the success of nonprofit agencies working to release fish, but acknowledges the challenges faced by local people in rural areas. Ikhamsuren discusses the history of people in Mongolia and Russia who catch fish as a job. He argues that tourists should catch and release fish, so locals can still make a living and help keep the fish numbers healthy. He also mentions a group that has been working on fly fishing since 2012, and a Facebook group that aims to teach catch and release which should help to teach younger people to release the fish, as it is sufficient to catch and release the fish.

Gerri Carlson, the widow of Tom Morgan, talks about the life cycle, story, growth, and passing on of the Tom Morgan Rodsmiths company in Livingston, Montana. Carlson talks about the start of the company and the hardships that came with starting a fly fishing rod company, like the learning curve and handmaking the individual rods. The custom rods created by the Tom Morgan Rodsmiths were graphite, fiberglass, and bamboo rods, all coming with different challenges. Carlson talks about the craftsmanship that came with these rods and the individuality with each rod, needing to be perfect. Carlson also touches on how they marketed their rods and how their sales came from everywhere in the country and even international like Japan, Canada, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Romania. Carlson later touches on the selling of the company, which is now located in Bozeman, Montana, and the how the passing of her husband, Tom Morgan, has affected her.

Gregory Wood owns and operates Zerokill Guiding, which is a 100% catch and release business. When it comes to angling, he strongly believes in the ethical and sustainable taking of fish. Gregory grew up in Pennsylvania fishing for trout in streams. That grew his love for angling into a career of running a guide service. More than anything, Wood is an activist and loves to give back to his fellow veterans and fly fishermen. He also has a great care for the health of fisheries and does what he can to protect them, like being involved with Trout Unlimited and other organizations.

Guðmundur Guðjónsson is a fly fisherman from Iceland who has only ever fished in his home country. He also has created a website for Icelandic anglers that gives fishing reports, weather updates and general news. Guðjónsson's main worry is the human "tendency to put short term economic gain (first)." He wants people to get out in nature and listen to the birds, feel the wind, and connect with nature.

Ben Broscius is a fly fishing guide in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. He was formerly on the Junior USA Fly Fishing Team and still works with the team, hosting young events and tournaments. Broscius describes the development of his passion for fishing, about catching sunfish as a kid, and how he grew to love fishing. As a teen, he was introduced to fly fishing, where he fell in love with catching brown trout, and rainbow trout in streams and creeks, as well as striped bass and bluefish on the Jersey Shore. He later goes on to talking about taking trips up to the Thousand Islands of New York, where he would catch 5-pound smallmouth bass and muskie. Broscius goes on to show that he is well versed in saltwater fly fishing as well. He has travelled to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, for bonefish fly fishing and wahoo fishing. Broscius' true passion is fly fishing, but what he truly loves about the sport and his job as a guide is teaching people to fly fish and having the opportunity to help someone catch a fish on their own. He describes how much it means to him to help people reach a goal and to teach them conservation efforts in the process of fishing.

Keith Groty grew up in Detroit and never fished much as a child. After graduating college he decided to travel the western United States where he discovered a love of fly fishing. Groty eventually got involved with Trout Unlimited (TU) and has served several roles with the organization over the years including president. One of his passions has been getting kids involved in the sport and he led several programs to help introduce kids to fishing. In his interview he talks about the importance of the work TU and other organizations are doing, his concerns about pollution and climate change, and his lifelong love of angling.

In this interview, Bruce Farling offers insights into his involvement with the fishing industry, Trout Unlimited, and various conservation efforts or programs. Farling was born in Pennsylvania and has since served in the U.S. Forest Service and also worked for the Clark Fork Coalition. In the interview, Farling submits that he is acutely interested in learning about not only the conservation of wildlife but also the conservation of fishing habitats or areas. There are lots of benefits that can be drawn from learning about not only the conservation of wildlife but also the conservation of fishing habitats or areas. There is a continued need to have anglers focusing on conservation to check on adverse climate changes. Farling offers insights into how different states, especially Montana, can ensure that their fish stocks are not depleted by conserving their fish habitats. For instance, states can ensure that their fishing industries remain sustainable by putting in place the requisite laws.

In this interview, Dave Dozer shares the experiences that he and his family have had in the fishing industry over the years in Washington and Oregon. Dozer has various companies leading fishing area conservation efforts, including Property Brothers and Bamboo Pursuits, all based in Sisters, Oregon. Dozer encourages fishermen and anglers to use bamboo rods in place of graphite rods and fiberglass rods. According to him, conserving and recovering fishing areas will assist in improving fishing and also the areas, including rivers. He also says that women are becoming more and more involved in the fly fishing industry, including in the conservation of public fishing areas. He also states that the fly rod market is especially challenging to navigate for inexperienced anglers.

Tomonori Higashi, born and raised in Japan, discusses his lifelong connection to fishing and the profound influence of his father on this passion. The interview talks about the cherished memories of nighttime fishing expeditions with his father. Higashi talks about his preference for fishing specific fish species, including sea bass, small bream snapper, and trout, and his observations on the evolving fishing culture in Japan. He illustrates his involvement in organizations promoting ethical angling practices, sustainable resource management, and the challenges posed by climate change. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the complex interactions between economic pressures, angler mentality, and environmental conservation. The interview offers diverse facets of Japanese fishing culture, touching upon his career transition to fly fishing writing and his commitment to educating the younger generation.

Evelyn King talks about her personal experiences with a family legacy rooted in Camp Bull Hilo on Sabego Lake in rural Maine, initiated by great-grandparents Luther and Charlotte Gillick, prominent figures in the Camp Fire Girls movement. The conversation navigates through the Kings' dedication to empowering women in outdoor pursuits, challenging gender norms, and promoting equality in fishing adventures for both boys and girls. Engagement with initiatives such as Casting for Recovery and Trout Unlimited demonstrates a commitment to broader community impact and conservation efforts. The establishment of the Maine Women Fly Fishers highlights the Kings' success in fostering a supportive environment for women in fishing. Throughout the interview, reflections on environmental changes and concerns for the future of fishing underscore King's passion for the transformative and community-building aspects of this outdoor pursuit.

Michael Stalenhoef of the Netherlands recounts his lifelong fishing passion and where it began. He vividly describes his introduction to fishing in Amsterdam with his grandmother, using a bamboo rod. He mentions starting with simple techniques like using bread for roaches, and over time he progresses to collecting nightcrawlers and catching his first perch. The interview transitions into a discussion about the transformation of Amsterdam's canals from polluted waters to clean and clear waters today. As Stalenhoef talks about his professional angling career, he shares his insights into the canal situation and how increased clarity has been bad for many fish species. As a guide for zander, pike, and perch in the Netherlands, he mentions his diverse techniques for catching, including the use of spinners, crankbaits, soft baits, lures, dead bait, and nightcrawlers based on the season. However, he has been catching less large predatory fish using these methods, and he believes it is due to the cleaning of the rivers. Finally, he shares a story from an international fishing experience in Russia, and how he enjoyed fishing in another country. He said he has taken people from nineteen countries fishing with him already and enjoys meeting so many diverse people.

Kasper Muhlbach recalls memories of fishing throughout his life. Muhlbach discusses his childhood summers in Sweden, fishing for pike, perch, and sander with his grandfather. He also reminisces on fishing in Disko Bay in Greenland. He fished in all seasons, and fishing was especially interesting in the winter. While living in Greenland, he began to tie flies. Muhlbach looks back on his experiences while describing his personal affection for angling, and how it has become therapeutic and important to him.

Øystein Aas is a Scandinavian angler and scientist. He has a master's degree in applied fish and wildlife management and his PhD work was on the human dimensions of recreational fishing. In this conversation he discusses why people fish and how that affects the way people fish. He talks about catch and release practices and the popularity of fishing in Norway. He also talks about restoration projects happening in Norway, and tells a story of salmon fishing on a recently opened river.

Paul Amara is a fishing guide in Mongolia and works at the only Orvis certified shop in the country. In his interview, he talks about the changing fisheries of Mongolia and concerns around climate change. He mentions the sizes of fish decreasing and stresses the important of political engagement to protect natural rescores.

Shinichiro Asano is a Japanese fisherman from Narita, Japan. He started fishing at the age of 11 in 1971 and has been self proclaimed "crazy for fishing" ever since. He has spent time as a guide and owns a company selling fishing gear. In this interview he talks about the changes he has seen in in Japanese fisheries including decreased water clarity, stream channelization, decreased fish size and the benefits of catch and release. He explains what makes a good fisherman in his eyes. Asano also tells a bit about his international fishing trips to Cuba, Bolivia and Ireland.

Steve Bailey was born in Florida in 1953. He grew up hunting, fishing, and camping in Florida as a kid. He then moved to Duluth, Minnesota, as a young man where he got more invested in flyfishing and fly-tying. Bailey gives credit to his friend Polly Rosborough, and Art Flick's Streamside Guides, for his fly-tying knowledge. Bailey moved to Oregon in 1975 and spent significant time flyfishing there before returning to Florida. Throughout the interview Bailey talks about his relationships with other fishermen such as Lefty Kreh, Mark Sosoon, Chico Fernandez. Bailey also discusses threats to fishing and wild lands in Florida and across the country, specifically population growth and development.

Kathie Burke is a longtime fisherwoman who grew up fishing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Some her first fishing experiences were catching sunfish, blue gill and largemouth bass. In this interview, Burke talks all about her experiences fishing in Yellowstone National Park, describing the beauty of the park, the cutthroat and grayling fishery, and the wildlife you get to experience while fishing there. Burke also describes some of the problems with the fisheries in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, like the illegal introduction of lake trout and brook trout. Burke has also been involved with volunteer work in Yellowstone National Park, electroshocking streams for brook trout with the Parks Service, as well as taking inner city kids from Omaha, Nebraska, out backpacking and kayaking to get them involved in the outdoors and help them to connect to why biology and the environment is important.

Todd Desgrosseilliers was born in Maine and is presently the Chief Executive Officer of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) which is headquarted in Maryland but has offices located across the USA. Desgrosseilliers explains that the project's mission is to emotionally and physically rehabilitate active duty military officers who are referred to it by doctors. He explains the various key program activities defining the project – the activities are outings, fly tying, casting, fly road-building, and fly fishing. He gives important insights into the physical healing that the officers often experience in the project and the various emotions that the project focuses on, including disgust, fear, surprise, sadness, and anger. The other topics covered in the interview include why he got involved with the project in the first place, his love for fishing, especially fly fishing, and the future of fishing.

Lenny Gliwa shares his experiences in the fishing industry and experiences fishing growing up in Pennsylvania. Gliwa's involvement in the fishing industry began when he was quite young since he was born into a recreational fishing family. Gliwa's father has, over the years, been a rather enthusiastic recreational fisherman and a skillful angler. Gliwa's family has drawn lots of joy from recreational fishing, especially during summer times. When those not well-versed in the fishing industry hear the term fishing, the image that almost always comes to their minds is the spin fishing image – individuals at river banks holding fishing poles and casting lures constantly until they catch fish. According to Gliwa, people who fish have lots of fun.

Petri Hamalaimen of Finland started spearfishing when he was 6 or 7, and moved to rod and reel a few years later after reading a book on fly fishing. Hamalaimen compared the feeling he got from the book to that of those who read the Bible for the first time. He fished for trout and salmon in Lapland and Little Finland. Hamalaimen now focuses most of his fishing effort on pike. In the 1990s, he worked as a fishing guide, but found that difficult because he was just watching people fish, not fishing himself. But, after a few years on the water, he felt a heightened sense of passion towards the river. Hamalaimen talks about how Lapland has changed with time and how the land is being exploited for monetary gains. He also talks about his concern with climate change and the pollution in the Baltic Sea from agricultural fertilizing mixtures.

Eric Holt is a member of the Nez Perce tribe and lifelong angler. Holt reflects on family traditions, sharing anecdotes of fishing trips with his grandfather, emphasizing the importance of passing down tribal history and values. The interview explores the broader context of fishing as a holistic way of life, transcending a mere activity. Holt emphasizes the role of stewardship in protecting fish populations and the ongoing struggles to defend fishing rights, including his family's history of activism. Climate change and environmental challenges are discussed in the context of the Nez Perce Tribe's commitment to preserving natural resources.

Virgil Holt Jr., a dedicated fisherman and member of the Nez Perce Tribe, shares insights into his life and the cultural significance of fishing within his community. Born and raised in Lapwai, Idaho, Holt describes his family's rich history of fishing, emphasizing the spiritual connection to salmon and the impact of environmental changes on their ancestral fishing grounds. He explains the traditional practices, such as prayers and rituals, associated with fishing in the Yawinma River (Clearwater River, Idaho). Holt discusses the challenges faced by his community, from the historical injustices and arrests during conservation efforts to the contemporary threats posed by climate change and diminishing salmon runs. The interview illustrates Holt's commitment to passing down cultural traditions to younger generations, and highlights the importance of preserving Nez Perce heritage beyond the act of fishing.

Pål Krogvold, born in a Norwegian lakeside town, talks about his lifelong passion for fishing and insights into environmental changes. The conversation explores Krogvold's early fishing experiences, from catching perch as a child to evolving techniques in Norway and exploring international waters in places like Montana, New Zealand, and Russia. Krogvold reflects on the changing dynamics of fishing communities, addressing environmental concerns and the impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. The interview also captures Krogvold's fondness for rivers and the meditative experience of being on the water.

Tony Lindberg is from the northern part of Sweden and has always been a fisherman. In this interview, he discusses the changing climate and the impact on sea trout populations and mentions the ethical issues of stocking fish in open water, which can lead to population decline. Lindberg also discuss the negative effects of power plants and mono-agriculture on fish. Lindberg believes there is a need for environmental laws to protect fish populations. He hopes that these efforts will help protect the fish population and ensure the survival of healthy populations. He believes that people are starting to notice this issue and hope for better solutions. Lindberg mentions the stress relief and sense of home when fishing, which they find enjoyable. He also mentions the shift from keeping fish to releasing them, which is now becoming much more popular.

Sara Longley, who grew up in Maine, has a passion for fishing and hiking. She works at Goffman Research Institute in Maine, where she met her husband. Longley discusses her trip to Iceland, where they explored waterfalls, hot springs, hiked, and of course fished. Longley emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities for personal growth and environmental conservation, mentioning Teens to Trails and embracing individuality. She stresses the need to focus on the environment and what makes it so special. She encourages individuals to appreciate their contributions and make a positive impact on the environment.

Kuni Masuda grew up in Nagoya, Japan, and was taught to fish by his grandfather. When he moved to Idaho he began exploring the waters of Idaho and the Western United States. Masuda is a regional director for Fly Fishers International (FFI) and has plans to both expand their organization to over 900 international members and also provide a seamless experience for them. He discusses the importance of conservation programs and addressing global warming, and gives insight on how fishing is changing and not necessarily for the better. He talks about how FFI encourages young people and women to participate in fishing and supports them through youth and women groups. Masuda also emphasizes the need to adapt to changing times and entertain people in the sport.

M.J. Oatman shares her deeply connected story to the waters of her reservation in Idaho including the Clearwater River, which are identified within her heritage of the Nez Perce. This interview includes many stories regarding the Columbia River, and numerous others around it, and her personal battles regarding the protection of the land and water which she calls home. She explains her time spent in school, and her evolving roles in the Native society as a woman, as well as one of the few people who are actively reviving the Nez Perce language.

Lamont Phillips discusses his family's extensive history of fishing in Rapid River, Idaho, since the 1960s. The fishing customs that were passed down were greatly influenced by his grandfather, who was a pioneer in the region. In his account of his first fishing experiences, Phillips emphasizes the excitement he felt when, at the age of nine, he caught a 20-pound fish. He highlights the inherent risks associated with fishing and stresses the significance of showing respect for both the salmon and the water. Phillips describes the different ways his people use and share the catch within the community as he talks about the historical and cultural significance of salmon for them. He muses on the dwindling population of fish, expressing worries about overfishing, changing environmental conditions, and the necessity of conservation initiatives. Phillips' commitment to protecting fishing privileges and traditions is emphasized by his family's involvement in the 1980s salmon scandal and his commitment to passing on these practices to his son.

In this interview, Sara Jo Royalty talks about how she went fishing with her grandfather as a child in Ohio and how that experience shaped her passion for fly fishing, environmental preservation, and sustainable living. Royalty talks about her experiences switching from commercial to fly fishing, her sponsors as a competitive fly caster, and her participation in clinics and seminars aimed at educating others. She highlights the significance of sustainable practices while shedding light on the issues and viewpoints present in the commercial fishing sector. She explores the need for international collaboration, community involvement, and the role that regulations play in preserving fisheries. She emphasizes the potential dangers of water toxicity affecting fish and the significance of responsible human intervention out of concern for the health of the environment. Finally, Royalty shares her thoughts on how human activity affects ecosystems and exhorts people to be mindful of their ecological footprint for our future generations.

Jeff Scott is a member of the Nez Perce tribe and lives on the tribal reservation in Idaho. He was born in Rhode Island and moved often as a child as his father was in the Navy and the family followed him whenever he was relocated. He learned his tribe's traditional way of fishing that has been passed down for generations from his father and grandfather. Scott was invloved in several legal cases around the selling of fish and trespassing which eventually helped reestablish Nez Perce treaty rights.

In this interview, Yuzo Sebata describes his upbringing in Tokyo, Japan, in the 1960s and fishing for carp and chub as a kid. He then reflects on a traditional Japanese style of fishing called tenkara. While it is a simple way to fish, Sebata explains its hidden complications and emphasizes the learning curve for the tenkara method. He also explains how scaling up the rod and the flies to catch different fish can be helpful for certain bodies of water. He drew on that knowledge when he visited Montana and fished the Madison River. After explaining his transition from carp and chub to mountain stream fishing, he notes the unique challenges of high-altitude angling. He really values mentorship for aspiring high-altitude and headwater anglers. Stressing the importance of understanding fish behavior and where they like to be, he sees himself as a mentor for young people trying to enter the sport. Recounting a fishing tactic he used on the Henry's Fork, he compares traditional fishing methods with more dynamic approaches. Sebata says that sometimes it is important to think out of the box when fishing because it can be a very enjoyable experience, and sometimes you will catch more fish because of it.

In this interview, Toshi Shimoda of Japan recounts his lifelong passion for fishing, specifically fly fishing, which he was introduced to at age 24 when he took a fly fishing masterclass. With fly fishing increasingly popular in Japan, he co-founded a company called TIEMCO when he was 25 years old. He talks about the different phases of his business, including expanding from flies into tools and materials for fly tying, as well as his international expansion. Reflecting on environmental challenges, he then notes the impact of dams on many river ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of conservation. He also expresses some concern for the younger generation, and he urges a return to nature and fly fishing from young people. Fly fishing, to him, is a profound connection to nature. He encourages others to enjoy the tranquil experience of fly fishing. The interview ends with Shimoda recalling a memorable fishing trip in Bhutan, and he shares a story of introducing cul-de-canard (CDC) patterns, which use a certain type of duck feather. The trip sparked his interest in introducing CDC patterns in the USA. Overall, in the narrative of the interview, he demonstrates his love of fishing throughout his life and how it evolved as his life progressed.

Miyoshi "Mike" Shiozawa is a veteran Japanese fishing rod maker and the chairman of Tenryu rod makers. who has witnessed the evolution of fishing rod materials from bamboo to fiberglass to graphite. He started out fishing as a child using homemade bamboo rods and silkworm bait. This was a very common in the area where he was born (which he does not name). Shiozawa later worked for a fishing tackle distributor in Tokyo, where he was involved in the development and production of fishing rods, including pioneering the use of fiberglass and graphite. He has a deep appreciation for traditional bamboo rods and is a collector of custom-made bamboo rods from individual craftsmen. He sees a resurgence of interest in more natural materials like bamboo. Shiozawa was involved in the development of modern fishing rod components like ceramic and titanium guides, contributing to the technological advancement of fishing tackle. He has diverse fishing interests, including trout, char, and bass fishing, and is the president of the Japan Federation of Fly Fishers. Shiozawa believes the younger generation today has many hobby choices, making it a challenge to maintain interest in fishing. However, he feels the joy of the fishing process itself is an important aspect to appreciate. He speaks Japanese in this interview through an English interpreter. The interpreter, who is not identified by name, is on camera and Shiozawa is on the telephone.

This interview is with Eduardo Solano, a recreational fisher from the Turrialba region of Costa Rica. Solano discusses his passion for fishing, which began as a casual hobby with friends and evolved into a pursuit of larger catches in diverse waterways. He particularly values the tranquility and adventure of fishing in the Tortuguero canals, appreciating the disconnection from technology and immersion in nature. Solano describes his experiences catching sea bass at river outlets and hunting for "fool" fish (likely bobo or mountain mullet) in freshwater rivers near volcanic areas. He emphasizes that fishing represents a healthy recreational alternative to sedentary digital activities for young people. The interview reveals Solano's concerns about environmental threats to Costa Rica's fisheries, particularly climate change and human development. He specifically mentions the negative impacts of hydroelectric dams that disrupt fish migration and spawning patterns, and agricultural pollution from banana and palm oil plantations contaminating coastal ecosystems. Solano expresses worry that without conservation efforts, future generations may only experience fishing through videos rather than firsthand participation. The interview was conducted in Spanish, and the transcript reflects an automatic translation that has not been reviewed by a skilled Spanish speaker.

This interview features Ólafur Vigfússon, co-owner of an Icelandic fishing store called "Veior Corner," named for its original location at a downtown corner ("veior" meaning both corner and fishing and hunting in Icelandic). Vigfússon shares his lifelong connection to fishing, beginning at age five or six in his small east coast fishing village. After a hiatus during his school years, he resumed fishing when he met his wife Maria, who comes from a fishing family. They've fished together for over 35 years, developing an intuitive partnership that has influenced his thoughts on the best qualities in a fishing partner. Vigfússon discusses environmental changes affecting Icelandic fishing, including warming waters and declining Arctic char populations, alongside the rise of catch-and-release practices. He details his global fishing adventures across six continents, with the Seychelles being his favorite destination. He expresses concerns about pollution and open-sea fish farming while appreciating Iceland's well-regulated commercial fishing. He highlights Iceland's unique fishing experience, where one can fish in solitude surrounded by nature. Vigfússon also explains Iceland's fishing permit system and reflects on fishing's deeper meaning as a way to connect with nature, describing it as therapeutic—"like going to a therapist."

Note: This item includes language that may be harmful or difficult to view/experience/listen to. This interview features John Seven Wilson, a Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) fisherman who shares his fishing experiences and cultural perspectives. Wilson recalls catching his first trout in Asotin Creek, Washington—a name he explains means "Eel Creek" in Nez Perce. He details his family history, being descended from Old Looking Glass, a significant Nez Perce leader, while also having white ancestry ("Soyapo" side). Wilson describes his approach to spearfishing salmon using a custom-made three-hook "salmon javelin" and emphasizes the cultural importance of passing fishing traditions to younger generations, including a ceremonial acknowledgment when his nine-year-old son speared his first salmon. He explains the tradition of giving away one's first fish. Throughout the interview, Wilson expresses deep concerns about environmental threats to fishing, including climate change and pollution. He proudly notes the Nez Perce tribe's significant contributions to fish conservation efforts in the United States. He expresses disdain for the policies and practices of the current U.S. presidential administration. The interview also includes several confrontational stories about territorial fishing disputes with Shoshone-Bannock tribal members (referred to as "Shobans," a slang term for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish and Wildlife Department) at Rapid River, reflecting tensions over fishing rights and access to traditional fishing grounds.

Sabrina Beganny's oral history explores her transformative journey with fly fishing, beginning with a pivotal moment in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. Initially uninterested in fishing despite growing up in a fishing family, Beganny experienced a profound connection to the sport after her husband invited her to fish. Fishing has helped her overcome challenges related to a head injury she suffered during military service. She became involved with Project Healing Waters, a veteran's fly fishing program, first as a participant and later as a program leader and ambassador. Beganny highlights the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing for veterans, particularly its ability to help individuals reconnect socially and find purpose. She advocates for increased women's participation in the sport and conservation efforts and describes some of the work that she has done to foment that participation. Beganny is particularly concerned about environmental changes affecting fishing communities, such as alterations to fish hatcheries, dam management, and climate impacts on fish populations in Maine, and particularly on the fishing-dependent economy of Grand Lake Stream. She relates her experiences with the effects of climate change, particularly with warming waters, and speaks to the ability of observant anglers to see the effects on a small scale. Last, she encourages her audience to take risks and to step out of their comfort zone.

This interview is with Oliver Bernát, a Danish fly fisherman and tackle shop employee who began fishing at age four during a family vacation in Greece. His mother, though not a fisher herself, encouraged his interest by purchasing equipment and connecting him with a local fishing club's junior department. Bernát discusses his passion for passing knowledge to younger anglers who visit his tackle shop, and cites Dave Whitlock as his primary influence in understanding insect life cycles for fly development. He describes how fly tying emerged naturally from his practice as a way to customize flies unavailable in shops. Bernát expresses concern about social media's impact on fishing culture, noting how the pressure to capture experiences for social media postings can detract from simply enjoying nature. He observes environmental challenges affecting Scandinavian waters, including pollution and agricultural runoff, while noting broader climate change impacts through extreme weather patterns he's witnessed in Denmark, Bosnia, and the Maldives. He expresses an interest in fishing in the Marshall Islands, where many nuclear tests were performed, to see how nature has recovered from that. The interview includes Bernát's memorable experience pursuing giant trevally in the Maldives, where despite initial skepticism from a local guide, he successfully caught his target species. Bernát values fishing primarily for its meditative qualities and the challenge of adapting to new waters.

This oral history documents the experiences of María Anna Clausen, an Icelandic angler and fishing shop owner who began fishing with her family during summer weekends. Initially a spin fisher, she transitioned to fly fishing at age 30 when her father gave her his fly rods. Since about 1998, Clausen has operated fishing shops in Iceland, expanding from one small downtown location to two shops carrying premium brands. The three-month-long fishing season is short, but the shops are very busy even so. Clausen observes significant changes in the fishing landscape, including increasing popularity of fly fishing (rather than spin fishing) among young people and environmental shifts like more erratic weather patterns. She highlights Iceland's unique fishing management system, where rivers have limited rod permits and farmers control lake access. A popular "fishing card" system allows anglers access to 35 lakes and enables children to fish free with adults, encouraging family participation. Beyond Iceland, Clausen travels internationally during the off-season, fishing destinations like the Seychelles and Christmas Island, where she caught a record-breaking triggerfish. She particularly values the solitude and natural connection that fishing provides, noting how Iceland's limited rod system prevents overcrowding on rivers. She also comments on technological improvements in fishing gear, particularly the evolution from neoprene to breathable waders, which has enhanced the fishing experience. Looking forward, she plans future fishing adventures to San Pedro and Africa, while continuing to observe growing support for catch-and-release practices among younger anglers.

This interview is with Sossa Hdrien, a fisherman in West Africa who inherited his family fishing business after his father's death. Speaking through an interpreter, he describes significant changes in local fisheries, noting declining catches compared to when he began fishing in 1993. The fisherman uses nets as his primary method, typically fishing in afternoons and returning by midnight, with fishing activities dependent on water movements toward Abidjan. He identifies January through May as the most productive fishing season, when waters are saltier. His catch is typically processed by his wife, who smokes the fish before selling it at market, though he mentions some fishermen sell directly to outside buyers. He attributes declining catches to population growth and increased fishing pressure, stating that what once supported 10 people now must sustain 1,000. The fisherman has chosen not to encourage his son to continue in fishing, instead sending him to school.

This interview is with Jostein Henriksen, a Norwegian fly fishing enthusiast and editor of "Oppstrøms," an online Norwegian fly fishing magazine that emerged from a defunct print publication. Henriksen traces his fishing journey from childhood experiences catching cod in the Oslo Fjord to his current passion for fly fishing. He expresses concern about environmental changes he's witnessed, including the disappearance of cod from the Oslo Fjord, the invasion of Pacific oysters, and the threats to Atlantic salmon populations from hydroelectric development and proposed wind turbines in wilderness areas. Henriksen describes these challenges as part of a broader "human crisis" driven by increasing consumption and demand for resources. Reflecting on the significance of fishing, Henriksen suggests it provides a unique way of seeing and understanding nature that complements scientific knowledge. He discusses fishing's role in forming childhood relationships with nature, his experiences introducing his sons to fishing, and his aspirations to fish in locations like New Zealand, Patagonia, Africa, and Cuba. The interview concludes with Henriksen's admiration for American fishing literature, particularly Ted Leeson's "The Habit of Rivers," which he describes as "a revelation" in its approach to fishing as "a whole world."

This oral history features Martin Joergensen, a Danish fly fisherman and creator of one of the earliest fishing websites. Unlike many anglers, Joergensen didn't learn fishing from his father but discovered it during his biology studies in Greenland. Though he began with spin fishing, he quickly transitioned to fly fishing after meeting experienced practitioners who provided crucial guidance. Joergensen emphasizes the importance of in-person instruction over books or videos for mastering fishing techniques. Beyond the technical aspects of fishing, Joergensen values the social connections formed through the activity. He describes how fishing trips often become opportunities for meaningful conversations and strengthening friendships. His biology background enhanced his angling by providing deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems. In the early 1990s, Joergensen combined his passion for fishing with emerging Internet technology, creating "Fishing Denmark," which evolved into a comprehensive fishing resource with contributions from anglers worldwide. The transcript concludes with Joergensen discussing how his multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2007 severely limited his fishing ability, leading to his urgent message for others: pursue fishing and other passions immediately rather than postponing them, as health circumstances can change unexpectedly.

This interview is with Nils Folmer Jørgensen, a Danish-born fly fishing expert who relocated to Iceland in 2007. Jørgensen recounts his fishing journey, beginning at age eleven with his first fly rod, and his experiences fishing throughout Denmark, South Africa, and eventually Iceland, which he describes as "the best place in the world to fish." He discusses his professional work in the tackle industry as a global design and marketing manager, developing fly rods, reels, and other equipment. Jørgensen expresses deep concern about open-cage salmon farming in Iceland's fjords, describing the genetic pollution, ecosystem damage, and diseases that threaten native wild salmon populations. He advocates for land-based aquaculture as a solution while highlighting his company's efforts toward sustainability by drastically reducing plastic packaging. Throughout the interview, Jørgensen reflects philosophically on fishing as a passion that awakens dormant senses, the tactical aspects of angling, and the importance of companionship with people who share joy in the experience. He concludes by describing his custom fly designs for Icelandic rivers, including his signature patterns: Ultima Hooker, Aetna, Stormy Daniels, and the Hitch Flight Show.

This oral history captures the experiences of Maxine McCormick, a competitive fly caster and angler who was introduced to fishing through family camping trips and outings with her father. Starting at a very young age, McCormick's early exposure to fishing evolved into competitive casting after meeting coaches Chris Korich and Steve Rayjef. At age twelve, she won gold in traditional accuracy and bronze in two-hand overhead salmon fly distance at the World Championships in Estonia. She later earned additional gold and silver medals in England, achieving distances of 189 feet in two-hand overhead and 161 feet in single-hand distance casting. McCormick emphasizes the importance of efficient technique, proper grip, and minimal power in casting. Her competitive success is balanced with a deep appreciation for recreational fishing, particularly for rainbow trout. She describes memorable experiences like catching two rainbow trout on a dual-fly setup during an evening hatch. While competitive casting has taken her to international destinations like Estonia and Great Britain, McCormick maintains that fishing remains primarily a family activity that connects her with nature. Though uncertain about her long-term competitive future as she approaches college, she expresses commitment to continuing fly fishing as a lifelong pursuit. She also notes the relative scarcity of young people, especially girls, in the sport and advocates for increasing awareness and participation among her peers.

This interview is with Kakpo Yacegbe Miche of Côte d'Ivoire, who started fishing in 1990. It was a family tradition passed down from his uncle. In the past, they were able to catch good fish, crab, and crayfish, but it has become more difficult to make a living fishing now compared to when he was younger. He describes his boat building process, including how they used to make their fishing canoes directly from a single tree. Now they have to buy wood and plywood to construct them, which is more difficult. There are more people fishing now, which has impacted the activity and made it harder. The women in the family help by cleaning, smoking, and selling the catch at the market. He caught some special fish like tilapia and "saul" (a long, flat fish) only once in 2011. He would leave this work if he got a better job, and prefers that his grandchildren get a good job rather than fishing. When asked how well the government of Côte d'Ivoire manages the fishery, he responds that it's complicated and he has nothing specific to say.

This interview features Sigfinnur Mikaelsson, an Icelandic fisherman who began fishing on Iceland's east coast, initially for cod and saithe in the sea, then for Arctic char in rivers. Unlike many fishermen, Mikaelsson didn't inherit the practice from family—he describes it as being "just in my blood." Mikaelsson observes that while Arctic char populations have remained relatively stable during his lifetime, salmon runs have declined due to overfishing. He expresses serious concerns about salmon farming in Iceland, fearing it could harm wild salmon populations through genetic mixing of different stocks and increased sea lice affecting wild smolts, similar to problems seen in Norway and Canada. He discusses how his relationship with fishing has evolved—from catching fish for food when younger to now practicing mainly catch-and-release. For Mikaelsson, fishing provides relaxation, connection with nature, and opportunities for friendship. He notes climate change impacts in Iceland, particularly milder winters compared to his youth. Regarding access, Mikaelsson explains that while salmon fishing is expensive and requires club membership, Arctic char and sea fishing remain accessible and affordable, allowing young people to engage with Iceland's fishing traditions.

This oral history documents the fishing experiences of Aline Ngom, a Senegalese fisher who followed in the footsteps of multiple generations of family fishers. Ngom speaks French and has an interpreter. Beginning at age nine, Ngom would use transportation money from his grandfather to visit the fishing area, eventually leading to formal training in boat fishing. This childhood passion developed into a lifelong career that Ngom describes as both pleasurable and sustaining. The interview reveals significant challenges facing contemporary small-scale fishers in their region. First, changing water temperatures have disrupted fishing patterns, creating a situation where fish prices are high but catches are scarce. He identifies two other major threats: speargun diving in breeding areas and large-scale commercial fishing operations whose distant nets prevent fish from reaching near-shore areas. The account also details the local market structure, where middlemen have first choice of catches, which include grouper and red tuna, before the remainder reaches the general market.

This oral history features Vigfús "Vivvi" Orrason, an Icelandic angler who began fishing before he can consciously remember. His earliest fishing memory is catching his first salmon at age five on the Big Laxa in Aðaldal, where his family had access through his mother's connections. Orrason discusses his work with the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF), which successfully purchased commercial fishing rights to protect diverse salmon populations from mixed-stock ocean harvesting. Orrason describes his evolution from traditional harvest fishing to catch-and-release practices, reflecting a broader cultural shift in Iceland. A pivotal moment occurred when he spent time reviving an exhausted salmon, watching it rest before swimming away—an experience that converted him to catch-and-release before it became common practice. While primarily focused on fishing, Orrason expresses interest in hunting, particularly shooting tarmigan in winter and hunting reindeer in Iceland. He mentions the appeal of a combined fishing and hunting trip to Greenland, where one could pursue char fishing alongside hunting reindeer or musk ox. He expresses significant concern about open-pen salmon farming in Iceland, identifying multiple threats including sea lice infestations, genetic contamination from escapees, and ecosystem damage. Orrason advocates for land-based fish farming as the environmentally responsible alternative.

This interview is with Kenshiro Shimazaki, a Japanese fly fishing enthusiast and fly tyer and designer. In this interview, Shimazaki is on the telephone, speaking Japanese; only an unidentified interpreter appears on camera. Shimazaki describes his childhood memories of discovering fishing, and the challenges he faced growing up, including his father's mental health issues and his family separating when he was young. However, he found solace and joy in exploring nature and fishing, especially in the Tama River near Tokyo. He was introduced to more advanced fishing techniques and new fishing gear through his relative's American army officer friend, Gerald Spinx, who had a strong influence on Kenshiro's development. He continues to be passionate about fly tying and design, and is constantly exploring new techniques and materials, accumulating materials that inspire him. He faced health issues later in life, but he made lifestyle changes like biking, standing desks, and eating mandarin oranges to improve his cardiovascular health. He is also concerned about the environmental and ethical impacts of the sport and speculates about future technological advancements that could make fly fishing more sustainable.

This oral history is an interview with Gísli Sigurðsson, an Icelandic scholar and angler. Sigurðsson ecounts his fishing journey from childhood experiences with his grandfather to his adult passion for salmon and trout fishing in Iceland. He discusses his work with the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) advocating against open-net fish farming due to its detrimental effects on wild fish populations, particularly through parasite transmission and escapes. Sigurðsson describes Iceland's unique private river ownership system that helps protect wild salmon through strict licensing and conservation measures. He reflects on the spiritual connection between anglers and fish, suggesting that fishing represents reaching into "another world" beyond human control. Sigurðsson also connects his scholarly work studying medieval Icelandic manuscripts with fishing history, noting how Viking explorers around 1000 CE documented large salmon in North American waters and prioritized salmon rivers when establishing settlements. He concludes with observations about the commercialization of prime fishing rights and the balance between conservation, public access, and private ownership in managing sustainable fisheries.

This oral history captures the fishing experiences and philosophy of Luong Tan, who began fishing as a child in North Vietnam. He tells a story of the Chinese army using dynamite for road building, killing huge numbers of fish in the process. Growing up in a communist system where fishing was largely illegal as fish were considered communal property, Tan crafted his own bamboo rods and fished in small streams. After emigrating to the United States, he became a software engineer and later developed his own fishing rod company, Tenkara Tanuki, combining traditional Asian fishing techniques with modern technology and Western fly fishing approaches. He has worked extensively teaching fly fishing techniques in China, and also describes coaching champion youth fly caster Maxine McCormick. He developed specialized rods like the "Pocket Ninja" that emphasize efficient casting techniques, drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western fishing traditions. Fish farming is a concern; he compares it to the factory farming of other animals. His philosophy of fishing extends beyond mere sport, embracing it as a way to connect with nature, escape technology, and practice environmental stewardship. He advocates for catch-and-release fishing, comparing it to Buddhist practices of giving and liberation, and participates in river cleanup efforts. Tan's story illustrates how fishing serves as a bridge between cultures and generations, while also highlighting concerns about environmental preservation and the future of wild fishing in an increasingly artificial world.