Vapen Black

Same rod, different color handle.

LINK (via: GearJunkie)

Come on in, the water is fine!

Yes Virginia, steelhead are trout too.

Today is the launch day for Wild Steelheaders United.

From TU:

Wild Steelheaders United was established to educate and mobilize the numerous wild steelhead advocates wanting to engage in the Initiative. It is a place where anglers can become more informed about wild steelhead biology and ecology, keep abreast policy issues, and learn about Trout Unlimited's conservation work.

We may not always agree. We may not always have the answers. But we steelheaders share a common vision and for the future of wild steelhead. Together, we are a community with strength.

With millions of dollars invested on the ground, Trout Unlimited supports this vision through the Wild Steelhead Initiative.

Learn more at wildsteelheaders.org and tu.org

TU's commitment to putting some real skin in the steelhead conservation game is a very good thing.

That said, this launch is also a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the tireless work of the organizations and individuals, many of them just volunteers who, have for decades been on the front lines fighting on behalf of wild steelhead. The work at times has been frustrating, and there have been disagreements along the way. But there has always been one singular focus; it's about the fish. Even more importantly those same individuals and the groups they represent have inspired many like myself to also take up the cause. I'd hate to think what the state of wild steelhead would be today as TU officially enters the fray without all of their efforts.

I look forward to seeing my fellow wild steelhead advocates both past and future at Earl's place in Seattle this evening. The water is indeed fine.

So long.....and thanks for all the fish

In 2005 when we launched the Chum there were only a few social media types tackling the fly fishing petri dish. 

One of those few was Tom Chandler at the The Trout Underground. Over the last 10 years Tom has never shied away from telling like it is and his skill as a wordsmith is something we could only dream about. 

Except for his weekly shortcasts the Underground has been pretty quiet of late and now Tom has announced that he's turning off the lights, grabbing a slaw dog and investing his time elsewhere. 

Best to you and the family Tom, you're always welcome as a guest contributer here on the Chum.

Seattle is currently ground zero for wild fish

Two weeks ago it was Iron Fly, this week it's a screenng of DamNation to raise awareness around the proposed Susitna dam followed the next night by the Seattle launch of Wild Steelheaders United. 

Both events are FREE, open to the public, and there will be great food and craft beer served. Hit the links below for further details. 

Seattle DamNation Screening and Reception 11/19 @ The Piranha Shop - 6:00 pm 1022 1st Ave S, Seattle

Trout Unlimited Wild Steelhead Initiative Launch 11/20 @ Earl Harper Studio — 6:30p.m. 5531 Airport Way S Seattle

Fly Fishing Saves Lives

It's on.

Iron Fly Seattle 11/6.

Presented by Pig Farm Ink and hosted by Hula Hula 106 1st Ave N, Seattle.

Cape Lookout Albacore Festival

This year's CLAF is full of prizes, auction items, and music. All proceeds from the Crystal Coast’s premiere fly fishing and light tackle tournament/event event go to support Project Healing Waters.

LINK