By David Krogh
Fishing is a sport that everyone can participate in. And unlike most sports, fishing comes in many forms. You can fly fish in a river, ocean fish, lake fish with hook, worm and bobber and many more ways.
Oregonian Jesse Robbins is an avid fly fisherman and former guide and has written a book which looks at many aspects of fishing that we often either take for granted or fail to recognize. His book The Best Fly Fishing Is Everywhere attempts to focus on what it is that we can learn from or enjoy from fishing. Robbins stated, “If readers could come away with any or all of these things, I’d be happy: some simple enjoyment; an appreciation or greater appreciation for the many gifts that the outdoors, rivers, fish and fly fishing can give us; an inspiration to go fishing; an inspiration to help protect the waters, rivers, ecosystems and fish they love; an acknowledgement, understanding and appreciation for the various types of relationships that fly fishing can give us (relationships to other people, to places and maybe even a deeper understanding of ourselves); some information about where and how fly fishing can be done around the world; perhaps most importantly, a sense for my philosophy that ‘the best’ fly fishing is subjective and doesn’t have to require expensive trips or gear or catching the biggest or the most amount of fish.”
As the above suggests, this is not a “how to fish” book. In it are several different short chapters describing fishing and fishing trips that the author has participated in over the past 30 years. These include local fishing both as a boy and as an adult in the US and also foreign fishing trips in such countries as Canada, New Zealand and Japan. Many of these chapters were previously published in fishing and other periodicals while several more are entirely new, written exclusively for inclusion within this book.
The chapters are not laid out in chronological order but cover a specific subject such as casting, flying by airplane to a remote area to fish, fishing a hidden trout pond and additional interesting topics.
Getting back to the issue of “how to fish,” the author was asked how one learns how to fly fish if not exposed to it at an early age. “I encourage anyone who’s interested in fly fishing to start learning! Between fly fishing shops, clubs, organizations, guides, instructors, books, magazines and online, fly fishing education is abundant, so whatever ‘channel’ feels best is the best one to start with. Regardless of where one starts, eventually it’s worth connecting with another more experienced fly angler to ask questions and get feedback in real time. Learning to fly fish requires time, practice and patience, but within its challenges also lie its rewards.”
The adventures within the book include fishing situations where the author caught and kept fish and also did catch and release. Robbins was asked how you decide which to do. He responded, “Some considerations include: whether or not you want to eat the fish; the status of the population of the fish and the fishery; how you feel about the ethics of catch and release; certainly the regulations/laws of where you’re fishing; and more.”
Robbins was asked if he still is a fishing guide. He answered, “I do not guide formally/professionally anymore, but I frequently take friends and acquaintances fly fishing and help teach them how to cast and fish. No kids but lots of kids of friends who I am close with.”
He is currently also involved with conservation organizations. “I work full-time at Trout Unlimited and believe wholeheartedly in our mission and work, which is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. Trout Unlimited is a national, coldwater conservation nonprofit that works in habitat restoration, policy, advocacy, scientific research, education and engagement. I also sit on the Board (and am former staffer) of WaterWatch of Oregon, which is a state-based organization focusing on water quantity issues and free-flowing rivers. Additionally, I support/follow/engage with Wild Salmon Center, Native Fish Society, Captains for Clean Water, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, McKenzie River Trust and a few others.”
Robbins was born and raised in Maine and graduated from Bates College in 2006 with a BA in Economics. He went on to receive additional training in writing, fly casting instruction and whitewater boating. He has a very detailed personal website (jesselancerobbins.com) that includes a bio, writing samples, an informative blog and additional discussion about his book. He currently lives in Springfield.
Robbins states, “Fly fishing is a vehicle to learn more about and engage with, and develop a relationship with the natural world; ‘the best’ fly fishing can be found anywhere, at any time, with the right perspective; given those, it only follows that we all could and should do something to help protect and restore the natural world, however you define it.”
The Best Fly Fishing Is Everywhere is published by Hatherleigh Press Ltd., in partnership with Penguin Random House (hatherleighcommunity.com). The book is available online and via selected local booksellers including Powell’s Books.
