Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The scene

Testament of a fisherman, by Robert Traver:
I fish because I...hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape; because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion...

So I am going to take the great Mr. Traver's advice and skip the Fly Fishing Film Tour this year. In my opinion, it's an obnoxious event. A scene at which to be seen, full of bright new trucker hats, "passion" and "lifestyle". Yes, you're all very cool and into fly fishing. I'm happy for ya.

The films and interest in them are great for the industry, and many of the movies are very good, but I abhor the event.

9 comments:

cofisher said...

The same reason I enjoy fishing small streams with small trout. I don't need to make the scene in order to be seen. Thanks.

Jay said...

"A scene at which to be seen, full of bright new trucker hats, "passion" and "lifestyle"."

I will be quoting this at some point in the future. Well said.

schnitzerPHOTO said...

Well said, Josh. The "industry" has expanded its "market" significantly over the past ten years. Like you, I'm happy for all the new energy being directed toward the pursuit of fly fishing. However, the inevitable and regrettable "scene" symbolizes not a passion for angling, nor the fundamental essence of the pursuit - not as I've come to recognize it, anyway. Instead, it seems to be fueled by well-heeled gear-sluts who have found a niche, another opportunity to go bigger/farther/harder.
"Talking the talk" has always been an angler stereotype. That is why I most admire those who stick to walking the walk - quietly.

Weirdobrooktrout said...

Although I can't help but agree with your sentiment regarding the need for "purity" in the pursuit in the sport of fly fishing, if it weren't for the declining (YES, declining) yet evolving market place in a culture of images and video, you wouldn't have fishing rods, line, or reels. There would be no industry- just a couple of angry old farts like yourselves grumbling about the old days. Embrace the future- its the only one you've got.

Josh Bergan said...

I agree weirdo - that's why I said "the films and interest in them are great for the industry..." in the original post. I get it. I just cannot bear the event. Thanks schnitzer and Jay and cofisher. We should all fish some time.

Unknown said...

Hello Josh from the UK. I'm signing up for your blog, as I'm nuts about buggs too!!

Have a look at me if you have time, and follow if you like it. I'm @

www.smallstreambrowntroutfishing.blogspot.com

ben said...

I can hear all the PBR cans cracking now. And I don't miss it. I'd rather spend my time on the stream in February than watching fish porn on the big screen.

David Payne said...

Love the post Josh. While Mr. Weirdo and his ilk are busy being big at the FFFT and single-handedly saving the industry from ruin, you and I can be slugs and go fishing. Hell, I'll even row..........

Josh Bergan said...

I'm in. I'll bring beer and pay for the shuttle.