Pass It On

Over the last several weeks the fishing has really picked up. Tourism across the province is reaching its busy season, and the Miramichi River is at its prime. Though we’ve had warm days by New Brunswick standards, it’s nothing we can’t handle. But, it does remind us of the value of cooler temperatures and, of course, reminded us of winter! 

Specifically, we reflected on our New Brunswick book reviews we wrote for several months while the lodge was hibernating. Many clients responded favorably, so we thought we’d recommend a summer book – particularly if the East Coast heat wave is affecting your ability to be outdoors. Our recommendation is timely, too, as it’s a great preamble to the rapidly approaching First Cast Youth Fishing School we’ll be hosting in August.

“First Cast, Teaching Kids to Fly-Fish” is by Phil Genova. Phil is founder and director of the Fly Fisher Apprentice program. The book is full of content that reminds us of proper, practiced basics that all too often we’re quick to look past in our casting pursuits. We forget the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) method when we’re out on the water, so a reminder to return to the basics and relax is always welcome advice.

I am starting to believe Atlantic salmon are like horses - they sense the tension on the water and go into a “flight” mode. This is not tested or proven, of course, but, at minimum, it makes sense to me that tension and stress effect the quality of our cast, and that certainly isn’t what we’re looking for when landing fish is the primary goal.

At MBR, we hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday week, celebrating Canada Day and Independence Day, and will leave you with a quote from Phil’s book. “Pass on the tradition.” Whether that means taking your own children - or just someone who doesn’t have an opportunity - out on the river, or simply reading the book we each have a chance to “pass it on.”