Favorite Photo - 2023

The above stream shot became my favorite photograph of 2023. I just got my old Winston IM6 rod back from Ben, of Flat Creek Rods. He modified the reel seat and I was anxious to get it out for a test run on a stream. This was back in May. I camped overnight to get an early start on this stream and it turned out to be one of the best fishing days of the year, actually. The day was full of tight lines with brown trout that were eight to twelve inches, fat, with beautiful dark colors. I only stopped fishing when the storm clouds rolled over and began dropping hail. I didn't mind. It was a fabulous day in a beautiful outdoor setting.

So you know, I only photograph the first couple of trout I catch, then I focus on fishing and will take an occasional landscape photo at various times through end of day.

Those who follow me have realized I don't post "lift and grin" shots of so called trophy trout. Why? Because social media are full of those trophy fish photos and don't need another angler posting them. All those trout photos actually kind of depress me. They're overwhelming and the cumulative effect of them says they are not good for the trout populations around the globe. So, I don't do them. Fish need air...they get air below the water's surface.

My common subject matter when shooting photographs, during a fly fishing trip, is usually of a stream with my classic fishing gear somewhere within the shot. And too, often the gear becomes the focus of a photo. I suppose my photography is all about landscapes and fishing gear. I think it's more respectful for the trout and less harmful to them. While I do take trout photos, they are almost always of the fish in the bottom of the net from a lift close to the water's surface (two seconds). A click of the photo and I quickly remove the hook with forceps and tip the net to let him go...without touching the trout. The only time I handle a trout is when I must do so to remove a deep hook set, in a safe way.

I do enjoy photography and it is a means of sharing personal adventures with family and friends. When I look back at all of my photos and stories through 2023, I'm reminded of how good the year was to me...and this photo will always hold some nice memories!