Meet the $70,000 Fish

Meet the $70,000 Fish

For many, catching a bonefish on the fly is tantamount to turning the saltwater flats to holy water. As a fly fisherman, I feel naked when I wade a saltwater flat to cast for bonefish. I try and play the part of motionless heron but nevertheless feel so exposed in the...
The Woman With Wide-Set Eyes

The Woman With Wide-Set Eyes

A woman of breathtaking beauty was absolutely the last thing he expected to see in such a desolate place. I’d been on a Jim Harrison binge in the wake of his death—easy to do given his prodigious output. In particular, I’d been enjoying the stuff set in Michigan’s...
Little Angler, Big Trout

Little Angler, Big Trout

He hasn’t yet turned five years old, but already he loves going fishing with the big guys and his new fly rod. Note: This article originally appeared in the September/October 2014 issue of Sporting Classics. His name is Gabriel Matthew Altizer, and he has not...
Getting to Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Oyster

Getting to Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Oyster

October is oyster season in the southeast, and there are a few things the United Oyster Ranchers and Rodeo Association of America doesn’t want you to know about the common oyster. “Secret, a­­­nd self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.” – Charles Dickens “He was a...
Massachusetts Teens Catch 1,000+ Pound Tuna

Massachusetts Teens Catch 1,000+ Pound Tuna

A trio of Massachusetts teenagers reeled in a massive bluefin tuna weighing more than the three anglers combined and measuring more than 10 feet in length. In early October off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts, Captain Dan Smith and his crew Kyle Falle and Jim...
Flo’s Place

Flo’s Place

He confided the happy little story that closed the 50 years between us as gently as nightfall closes day, that filled my eyes and made me smile. I’ve an idea it might foster a similar reminiscence for you. Little, whimsical outdoor gladdenings come along now and then...
Maryland New Triggerfish State Record

Maryland New Triggerfish State Record

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized Logan Liddick of Carlisle, Pennsylvania as the new Maryland state record holder for the gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus). The 34-year-old angler caught the 6.0-pound, 20-inch long fish on September 25,...
Montana River Wars

Montana River Wars

The decline of Montana’s rivers foretells a new battle brewing between businesses that depend on fishing tourism and the state’s ranchers. I’ll never forget the first time I met the Big Hole River. The relationship started on one of those crisp Montana autumn days,...
Swapping Roles with Your Guide

Swapping Roles with Your Guide

Sharing your fly rod, rifle or shotgun with a guide can be as rewarding as using them yourself. To this day I’ve never actually fired the old shotgun. It’s an ancient Winchester Model 12 with a plain, well-worn walnut stock and was in my hands on that cool spring...