Author: Lisa R

Advice, Humor

How to Pee Outside (For the Ladies)

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on How to Pee Outside (For the Ladies)

Thought this was worth re-sharing with the world:

Lisa R's avatarPNW Gal On The Fly

I am not a guide. I can’t teach you how to cast. I certainly can’t teach you how to tie flies (I’m still learning myself!)…

But, I can teach you how to pee outside.

As a woman who got into fly-fishing because of her male counterpart, initially I assumed that there would be an outhouse nearby or that a facility would magically appear every time I needed to “go”. I quickly learned that this was far from the truth. Sure, there are those glorious luxuries available in some areas… Just not in any of the ones I seem to fish near.

So, here is the truth, ladies: If you want to fly-fish, you are gonna have to learn how to pee outside. Oh- and it’s important to know how to avoid urinating on your wader straps. Trust me, I’ve done that before. Just hold onto them while you’re doing your…

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Rambling, Steelhead, Thoughts

Even When the Fish Don’t Bite…

by Lisa R1 Comment on Even When the Fish Don’t Bite…

Sometimes, you just have to get out and fish. Sometimes, that means you drive 3 hours to try and end up leaving 3 days later without a tug to write home about. But, it’s that effort and those trials and tribulations that make it worth it.

For someone who lives, eats and breathes fly-fishing for steelhead, those trials usually mean a lot of days on the river gaining nothing more than sore shoulders from thousands of casts on what seems like an empty river full of boulders and fallen trees planted there to do nothing more than to grab your fly before a hungry mouth has a chance. 

Thankfully, I had Doc with me this last time. Four legs full of fury to chase after his curious scent, as well as occasionally sit anxiously on the river bank behind me, as I tried whole-heartedly to find that tug at the end of my line…
Sinking, reeling back, casting out, and swinging through the depths of the intrepid water waiting for that tug… waiting… waiting… hoping… Only to eventually be forced to give in to my growling stomach and thirsty mouth and take a break. I lay down– giving my weary legs and arms a break from wading and walking the rocky and muddy banks. Searching for new water, scanning familiar water and relentlessly doing it all over again day after day… Alone. That moment of feeling hopeless eventually tries to take over. A swift blanket of the fear trying to cover you as you still somehow have a dwindling ounce of hope left… Yet, somehow that hope returns again, throwing the blanket swiftly off before it had a chance to settle, after endulging in a hearty meal in the small town that joins the surrounding rivers, with some familiar faces and some new ones– sharing stories of similar defeat on the river, but some with more success shared, which is enough to remind you that it is worth trying again the next morning. Somehow, the optimism stays even when it should dwindle and decease. Or should it?

I never regret trying. I only grow from each experience and each attempt. By doing it by myself, I feel like I grew a little more this last time. It doesn’t always take a grab or –even better– the fight of a steelhead to make me feel the drive to keep pursuing these fish. It just takes persistence.

Take me back to that place and those unpredictable rivers any day. I’m going to give it my all, whether it’s alone or with others who feel the same passion and understand the same unbridled addiction to swinging flies for these mysterious, anadromous creatures… I just can’t wait for the next time I have a chance to get back out and do it all over again. This is why I know I have found myself. And there is only more to discover yet.

Until next time…
~Lisa

Friendship, Thoughts, Wild Steelhead Coalition

Hello, 2014!

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on Hello, 2014!
Hello, 2014!

Happy New Year everyone!

2013 was a great year overall for me, and I can only hope 2014 will be even better.

If you read my blog, then I imagine you also follow my social media sites, so simply posting pictures to summarize my year would be redundant. Besides, I’m a writer. Not a photo blogger. (Ha ha… Okay, so I guess I am guilty of doing both). 🙂 Hey, who doesn’t enjoy photos with their stories?

Well, the bottom line is, 2013 was exceptional. I caught some fish, tried to catch some more and even tried new endeavors that I never thought I would– like shooting a 30.06 rifle and following Andrew on a “cougar” hunt (during separate occasions of course.). Personally, that is not my type of hunting, but it gets you outside and plenty of exercise. I see arguments to both sides of “predator hunting”, but since this is my fishing blog, we will just leave it at that. 🙂

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Back in March, I left my “nine-to-five” job that was leading me to a dead end and decided to take on writing full time– which ended up being more like part-time, as needing to pay bills had to take priority in the captain’s seat while simultaneously trying to follow my heart without starving. (“Following your heart will fill your pocket book”- Said no one, ever.) But, that doesn’t mean I can’t hope that it will eventually. After all, I consider myself an optimistic person. I do not consider myself a great “blogger” as it turns out. I have a hard time writing on a daily basis. It takes me more than a few hours to put together cohesive pieces that have meaning and are fresh or unique. I try to write notes while I am out fishing that I will be able to put into a post later on, but it ends up being a lost thought struggling to make sense when connected with sentences. So, with that said, I appreciate anyone who is still reading this right now, because it shows that I owe some solid writing to those viewers who follow my blog and are willing to read what I have to say. As a resolution for this new year, I will try my hardest to keep up with my blog on a more regular basis, but I can’t make any promises. I can promise that I will try to get out on the water as much as possible, which should bring plenty of writing inspiration.

As I said in my previous post, connections are important in freelance writing. Meeting photographers, other fly-fishers, fellow writers, etc. allow me to discover new material by talking to those who have similar interests, as you end up learning new things and discovering new ones through shared ideas.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of becoming good friends with April Vokey. She is a major part of my inspiration to get into fly-fishing in the first place. She is a fantastic writer and -of course- a very highly renowned and notable fly-fisher in the industry. The best thing about knowing April, is how much I have learned from her just as a girl friend. We are able to laugh and joke about things– related to fishing or not– and she has a ton of experience in an area I have just barely dipped my toes into. When we get to spend time together, though, we don’t always talk about fishing– In fact, we rarely talk about fishing. So, when we had the chance to actually fish together for the first time a couple months ago, I was taken aback when I watched her cast and actually saw how she fished in the flesh. She truly is one of the most elegant yet assertive fishers I have ever seen. She makes casting look easy. Yet, she is a total goofball and is just as vulnerable on slippery rocks when wading tough runs as anyone else. She is the real deal. And she just so happens to be a class act and admirable person. I am lucky to know her and truly value our friendship.

Adrienne Comeau and Paula Shearer are two other well-known female fly-fishers whom I have had the opportunity to get to know– both on and off the water, and they too are extraordinary casters and fishers to watch, but more importantly than that, they are fun, free-spirited women who are a blast to hang out with.

The best thing about fishing (and not fishing) with all of these ladies, is that behind the fly rods and waders, we all have a heck of a good time together. We are all very different in personalities and geographic locations even, but when we are able to come together, it’s a hysterical and vibrant reunion. It is a remarkable thing finding other women who love to do what you do, but are also people I could easily be friends with even if we didn’t share the fishing interest. Sharing the obsession for fly-fishing is just the bonus for me.
Adrienne Comeau, Catherine Laflamme, Lisa Schweitzer, Colby, April Vokey and Paula Shearer.
(Photo courtesy of Adrienne Comeau)

This past year was highlighted with activities that deepened these important friendships. From going to “Cast and Blast” in Squamish, B.C. in April with Paula and Adrienne and had the chance to meet a bunch of other awesome people there; to getting to fish on the Thompson river for the first time with April and Paula, were just a couple of those highlights. Both of those trips are ones I will never forget. I can only hope to continue to be able to do them again and again, over and over…

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One of the biggest accomplishments for me last year, was becoming an Event Coordinator for the Wild Steelhead Coalition. It has allowed me to learn more about the beautiful wild fish I fell in love with as soon as I got into fly-fishing, and taught me how we- as capable people- can help save their depleting populations in the future. It also has allowed me to connect with other people in the industry who are important to this cause and have extensive knowledge that I can learn a lot from just by listening to them. If you ever think you can stop learning, you might as well quit, because there is ALWAYS more to learn– Especially when it comes to wild steelhead and the areas they rely on in order to thrive and continue to come back to their spawning grounds for -hopefully- many years to come…

Please join me and the WSC in our continued efforts to do everything possible to save our wild steelhead and the environment they need for their habitat:

Click Here

More to come as this new year abounds…

Thank you for reading,

~Lisa

Interview, Photography

Meet Brett Seng

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on Meet Brett Seng
Photo by Ashlee Newman



If you saw the latest Confluence Film production, “Waypoints”, then you likely saw the Chile segment that featured two fly-fishing guides from Bozeman, MT: Brett Seng and Greg Bricker. I had the pleasure of meeting Brett recently while he was on a layover in Seattle to discuss his part on the film and the possibility of collaborating on writing/photography work in the future. Immediately, I could tell we shared the same ideas and thoughts on how our work could potentially come together. He is ultimately looking for someone who can help put words to his outdoor photos, and I need someone who can capture some of the moments I write about in fly-fishing. Writing and photography is fairly synonymous in the freelance world, but it’s not something everyone has skills in both equally, so it helps to have those connections. Those two trades are also something you can collaborate on without being in the same place, which makes finding people to work with a little easier.

About a week prior to meeting Brett, I was honored to be asked by Ross Purnell (Editor of Fly Fisherman Magazine) to write a film review about “Waypoints” for the magazine. After relaying this news to Brett during our meeting, I was pleasantly surprised when he offered to let me interview him to help put a unique perspective on my review.

Before I dive into the interview itself, here is some background on the interviewee:

(Brett Seng with a trout caught in Chile while guiding in 2011)


Brett has been a fly-fishing guide in Montana for over ten years and got into professionally capturing photos just over a year ago. Before moving to Montana when he was eighteen, Brett grew up on a farm in Illinois, where his parents still live and raise and board horses. Aside from fly-fishing and photography, he is an avid snowboarder and bow hunter.  (See some of his work here: Brett Seng Photography) 

Photo by Ashlee Newman

This was my first time actually interviewing anyone as I am not a journalist, but this was a fun experiment, and I appreciate Brett allowing me to do this and taking the time to speak with me.

So here it is…

Me: To start with, tell me a little bit about your background in guiding and photography.

Brett: Well, I started guiding through my summers in college so I could ski the winter without working as a snowboard instructor, which at the time to me was glorified slave labor in trade for a ski pass. I got a job working for a small outfit in Big Sky who hosted horseback day trips and fly fishing. I worked there two seasons and guided mainly wade fishermen and newbies as a majority. No one on earth has taken more flies out of the bushes from the back-cast than me, I credit my patience to those two beginning seasons. I’m confident I could take an SAT test in a daycare after chocolate milk time, and no ear plugs. The past eight of a ten year career has been split guiding between Bozeman and Twin Bridges, Montana. I’ve learned a lot from my peers and credit the diversity of my knowledge to the variety of waters I’ve guided on and those who taught me the waters’ complex characteristics.

As for photography, I learned the basics from my mom growing up. She’s a bronze artist, and I would watch her shoot subjects as a child. It was her composition for light that caught my interest. What sold it for me as an adult, was modeling for Brian Grossenbacher, who I highly respect and consider my favorite lifestyle photographer. He created the monster that I became to start exploring light as a still photographer. I launched myself into the professional photographer shoes last January of 2013. Hard work is paying off. We don’t appreciate the things we don’t earn the hard way, and so far so great. I’m loving the new career path.

Me: What is your favorite place that you have traveled to so far?

Brett: Favorites places…. New Zealand takes the gold in my eyes. Montana will always be my resting place. In all the travels to far away trout fisheries, ironically, have made me more and more grateful for the fishery I have right out the back door. Montana is world-class, and I can say that because I’ve seen the majority from comparison. Getting back to why New Zealand is my favorite place I have traveled to, I think the mentality of good character and kindness run deep in the people of that country, which is right at home in the state of Montana, so I find comfort in that while I explore. The fishery there is large trout, typically 24″ or better, all sight-casting and technical. I’m a bow hunter so it fits nicely with me. You see the fish you’re trying to catch, hunting for the right casting position, and watching every single detail from body language of the trouts’ interest to the slow eat that follows. I think both trout and trout fly-fishermen die and find themselves in a setting just like New Zealand. I’m hoping that anyways. I’ll know a couple good spots to start when I get there:)

Me: What is your favorite species of fish to fight on a fly rod?

Brett: As for the fight of any fish, I find myself less and less interested in that aspect. I’m finding that the draw for me is in the eat. I love that moment where you watch a fish commit to a fly with the ultimate confidence as their source of obtainable food. For that reason, along with the characteristics of the fight, aerial display, and hearty soul, I’d have to give my vote to tarpon. I’ll hire a tarpon guide instead of paying the mortgage with a smile on my face… every time.

Me: Tell me three main highlights of your experience being on the Atmosphere in “Waypoints”.

Brett: Three!? Okay. Having that experience with good friends along with meeting some new ones goes to the top of my list, I get the most fulfillment out of that from any trip. The next two would be the helicopter access we had each day, I got so fired up each morning and each day returning via chopper. That’s man-kinds’ sweetest creation no doubt. The fishing goes without saying as a highlight, but to be honest, the last experience I would mention that ties them all together was our pilot Arturo’s signature comment before departing to and from the rivers/lakes. Once the heli was full throttle for lift, all systems check, he’d get on the intercom and say in a perfect mixture of his Spanish accent/English words: “Okay…. Let’s go.” with this smooth, calm and confident tone that made the moment so badass, and with good friends around me to hear the same, it was the perfect beginning and ending to the flights.

Me: How long were you on the ship?

Brett: Six days of fishing and seven nights aboard the Atmosphere. I pouted and stomped my feet like a six-year-old leaving the Disney Cruise when I departed.

Me: Greg Bricker said on the film that fishing with Andres Ergas was like fishing with the “Dos Equis guy”. Do you agree that Ergas is “the world’s most interesting man” as well?

Brett: I think Dos Equis Corp. messed up by not finding Andres Ergas first. I completely agree with Greg. The best part of Andres is that you cannot help but sense the same gratitude each and every time you fish the water he hosted us on. He’s an extremely talented, modest, and kind man. He is all smiles, taking in what we did like it was his first time as well, even though the guy might have been there a hundred days prior. I’m proud to know such a man, with the genuine spirit of who he is among the power and wealth of his life.

Me: Do you foresee being in any other fly-fishing films in the future?

Brett: Not really. The film has inspired me to capture more of what is out there, through the eyes of creative minds and all the amazing technology that can deliver the concepts. Time will tell, but it doesn’t matter to me really. I’m taking advantage and enjoying every moment even if the camera never rolls on me again.

Me: Where is one place that you haven’t been to yet that you want to travel to for fly-fishing and/or photography?

Brett: I would love to see Cuba before Castro dies and the States are allowed back in there and mess it all up. I want to see the Cuban women dancing to local salsa in the streets, ride in some old Chevy 150’s, fish the flats for tarpon with a hand-rolled Cuban cigar in my pocket– which I bought from the guy that roll it on the docks. That’s next on the list. I feel time is of the essence.

Me: Tell me some of the upcoming photography projects you have on the horizon. Any upcoming trips planned?

Brett: I just wrapped up a shoot for KEEN footwear. I’m excited about the progression of that relationship that is unfolding at the moment. They are wonderful to work with and truly find the positives of what goals we are trying to reach. As for fly-fishing, I head to the south island of New Zealand in January for a month-long trip. I plan to fish new water, explore some new ideas for my photography I’ve been daydreaming about, and try to get better at surfing. I love surfing for it’s simplicity. No lift ticket, no expensive accessories, just a piece of foam and a wetsuit to get the personal expression started. I’m counting the days… flies are tied up, gear is half-way packed… I’m throwing down on a new camera body which is going to hurt my stack of fun tickets, but I think it’s worth it in the long run. Life is good Lisa, you’ll never hear me complain.

Me: (Now for the typical interview question that everyone has to ask) Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?

Brett: I cannot see myself in 10 days, let alone 10 years! I don’t know a good answer. I hope I find myself still learning a lot, working smarter with my brain instead of harder with my back. I hope the wisdom of age continues, and I hope to have a family to share some of these experiences with. The only thing I fear at this point, is sitting around the camp fire telling three dogs all my life’s journey instead of three of my own children.

 
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Thanks for reading!

~Lisa



FTC Disclosure, Sage, Spey casting

A METHOD To The Steelhead Madness

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on A METHOD To The Steelhead Madness

I had the chance to try out the new Sage METHOD 7126-4 spey rod during my last steelhead trip to Idaho.

The color catches your eye immediately  when you first pull the rod out of the bold red and black case. Most fly rods I have seen are a black, brown, green or blue color… The red was a bit of a shock. Pretty bad ass looking, in my opinion.

I had read other fly-fishers reviews of this rod– most of which came to the similar conclusion that the METHOD was “very fast-action”.

 I own the Sage TCX “Deathstar” in the same line and weight of 7126-4, which is a fast-action rod in itself, and is what we both describe as a stout rod that is light-weight and when timed correctly, a skagit or scandi line launches with ease.
I started out by putting a 525 gr skagit line on, with a T-11 sink tip, and I was able to throw out some nice casts even with the wind blowing in my face. The key with these fast-action rods, is timing. If you’re used to a slower or wider stroke, you want to feel like you are tightening everything up with the METHOD, otherwise it will feel like you are trying to cast yarn into a wind gust, or you at least won’t get a precise turnover with your fly. Once you have that sharp, tight casting stroke with the timing right, you’ll notice the METHOD feels like you could launch 150 ft of line no problem. (Not that I was doing that, but the way the line casts out with ease, it makes it feel easy.)
I also cast it with a 550 gr Scandi line with a floating line, and that setup worked even better than the skagit set up for casting dry flies or standard fall flies.I used my favorite Ross CLA-6 reel with it, and that size was perfect for the rod. I also use the same reel on my TCX, as well as my 8wt. DEcho spey rod. (See my other review on the CLA Here.)

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to actually fight a fish on the METHOD during this trip, as the fishing was pretty slow and the rivers not in ideal shape. I would have loved to feel that rod with a bend in if, but hey, it wouldn’t be true steelhead fishing without some torture thrown in there.
In summary, I feel the METHOD Spey rod is one that’s best suited for the intermediate to experienced caster, but if you are able to learn how to spey cast initially with this type of rod, you’ll be able to cast just about anything. It is also a versatile rod that will have you covered for all seasons of steelhead and salmon fishing.
For more info and where to purchase:
Film Events, Fundraiser, Wild Steelhead Coalition

Film Fundraiser for Wild Steelhead

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on Film Fundraiser for Wild Steelhead

Come support wild steelhead at this Confluence Films premier of their latest production, “Waypoints” TODAY 11/8 at the SIFF Uptown Cinema in Queen Anne at 7-9pm!

There will be awesome raffle items from Patagonia, Fishpond, Loon Outdoors, Goathead, Sage, TFO, Troutporn, steelhead guide trip, and more!

There are still tickets left online for only $13 at TicketRiver

RSVP online at the Facebook Event Page

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! 🙂

~Lisa

PNW Gal On The Fly, Thoughts

"Swing Flies, Be Happy"

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on "Swing Flies, Be Happy"
Swing Flies Be Happy; Write 2 Fly Fish, W2FF

I wanted to take a quick moment to clarify the motto for W2FF: “Swing Flies, Be Happy”, for anyone who is curious as to where it came from, or think that is the only way I fish or support, etc…

Basically, I came up with the motto initially because I have always liked sayings with “_______, Be Happy”, since I consider myself an optimistic, glass half-full type of person, and because I fell in love with fly-fishing primarily through winter steelheading with my husband. During those times, I would find myself saying “Swing flies, be happy” after countless days of fishing in the rain and wind, without a touch on the end of the line, because I wanted to at least make myself feel like I was staying optimistic, even when it seemed like there was no hope.

The technique I primarily use when fly-fishing for steelhead, is “swinging” flies through a run, versus other common techniques that are out there as an option. I think it is important for me to clarify that the motto doesn’t mean I do not support or am opposed to trying other techniques for steelhead, but that is just the one that I fell in love with and haven’t looked back since hooking my first steelhead from a swung fly approach. I have nymphed for trout, stripped line for searun cutthroat and salmon, and even trolled for salmon and ling cod off of a boat with a gear rod… I see the saying: “Swing Flies, Be Happy” as an overall positive summary of how I like to present most flies to fish. I think eventually, the motto will come off the permanent logo, and then can be interchangeable with “Cast Flies, Be Happy” or “Skate Flies, Be Happy” or any number of catchy phrases, but this is the one that stuck for now.

I hope this helps clear up any confusion or misrepresentation I may have caused when sticking that phrase on the logo without explanation. I respect all ways of fly-fishing and traditional fishing, as long as when releasing a fish, it is done humanely and responsibly. (That could be the small print, one could say.) 🙂

Anyway, thanks again for all the follows, ‘likes’, support and so-forth with this page and my website/blog. I am looking forward to actually doing some more writing once my other responsibilities settle down a bit and allow for more time to let my creative side loose.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers~
-Lisa S.

Contests

Are you the "Next Top Hooker"?

by Lisa RLeave a Comment on Are you the "Next Top Hooker"?

Shared from Hannah Belford’s Flyfishergirl.com site:

Top Hooker is currently casting for the second season, and would love to find some adventurous and skilled fisherwomen to be featured on the show.

Send an email to TopHookerCasting@gmail.com with your name, age, phone number, location, a recent photo (without hat and sunglasses please!) and a brief explanation of why you are America’s next Top Hooker. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013!

Animal Planet Casting Call For Anglers