Fly fishing is addictive. Once you start, you will
never stop. Whether you are going to the
local water hole or to Alaska, you should use a fly fishing journal to keep track of your sessions.
Fly Fishing Journals
Fly fishing is more than just fishing, its a peaceful, surreal activity. For many, there is almost a meditative quality to casting. For avid fly fisherman, fly fishing trips to locations such as the Battenkill River in Vermont, Green River in Utah and Letort in Pennsylvania are a must. Of course, the possibility of trips to Argentina, Alaska and other exotic locations can generate ones eyes glassy. For many, however, past fly fishing experiences fade from the memory with time. If you had keep a fly fishing journal, this doesnt have to be the case.
There are famous instances of all the people keeping journals throughout measure
. Of course, Anne Franks Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two many years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your fly fishing sessions will hopefully be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the many years pass.
A great fly fishing journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact. Second, it should have a water-resistant pages and a case to protect it from the elements. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went fishing with,
2. The weather conditions,
3. The fishing conditions,
4. The flies you used, what worked and what didnt,
5. What you caught, and
6. Lodging and places to eat,
As time passes, your fly fishing journal might
be used as:
1. A guide for you or friends that return the identical
location,
2. Information on gear and flies to take,
3. Memories to reflect upon many years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your children and grandchildren.
Keeping a fly fishing journal only requires a few minutes of writing. You may fill it out on the ride home or during a break. As time passes, your journal will become a collection of incredibly valuable fly fishing information. Imagine the look on a friends face after they mention going on a trip and you whip out your journal for the spot!