As I reflect on my 35-year career as a soccer coach, the memories of triumphs and struggles flood my mind. I've witnessed countless young athletes grow and develop under my guidance, and it brings me immense joy to have been a part of their journey. As I officially retire from coaching, I can't help but feel grateful for the impact I may have had on the future of youth soccer in America. But as the old saying goes, everything must come to an end And now, a new door is waiting to be opened Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I can fully immerse myself in my lifelong passion for the outdoor lifestyle The thrill of casting a line into a crystal clear river or trekking through the wilderness in search of game will now be my daily routine Along with these activities, I plan to focus on photographing and writing about my adventures, capturing the beauty and excitement of nature through my lens and pen. While I will miss the soccer field dearly, I am excited for what lies ahead in this new adventure-filled chapter of my life I am thrilled to have several exciting outdoor adventures planned, both locally and internationally I plan to document these journeys with vivid descriptions and captivating images. As I sit down to write my first book, I am filled with excitement and nostalgia, eager to chronicle the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia. The crisp air, the snow-capped mountains, and the crystal-clear rivers teeming with trout - all of these memories come flooding back to me as I prepare to put them into words. From the charming town of San Martin de los Andes to the serene waters that reflect the dazzling blue sky above, I hope to capture every aspect of this enchanting region through both my writing and my photographs And though it will take months of hard work and dedication, I cannot wait to finally share my book with you in the fall of 2024 It will be a testament to my love for this place and its people, and I hope it will transport you to this magical corner of the world just as it did for me. Nestled below is a tantalizing snippet from my soon-to-be-released book, taking you on an awe-inspiring literary journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. From towering mountains and rugged coastlines, to vast plains and ancient forests, experience the rich culture and stunning beauty of this South American gem through the pages of my writing. Prepare to be transported to a world unlike any other as you delve into the heart of Patagonia through my vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling. PATAGONIA “The memories of our first day fishing the Collon Cura river are still fresh in my mind. The sun beat down on us relentlessly, making the air hot and humid. Above us, the sky was a vibrant blue, not a single cloud to break up its perfect expanse As Julian meticulously prepared and launched the boat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. My inner guide experience told me that these clear, bright days were not ideal for trout fishing. We always hoped for some overcast conditions, but in Argentina, those days were few and far between. Still, I was determined to make the best of it and hoped that the trout had adapted to their sunny surroundings and would be willing to bite whatever fly I presented them with. Armed with my trusty Winston 6 weight rod, which had seen its fair share of catches from smallmouth bass to bonefish, I was ready to take on this spectacular river and hopefully land some seriously nice trout today. As our boat glided down the crystal clear Collon Cura river, my heart raced with excitement as I realized my long-awaited dream of fly fishing in Argentina was finally coming true. All around us, the lush green landscape seemed to pulse with energy, the perfect backdrop for a day on the water. My eyes were fixed intently on my dry fly and nymph dropper, eagerly watching for any signs of movement. Suddenly, my amigo Julian called out in excitement, pointing to the first rising fish we had spotted. But we couldn't be sure what type of mayfly it was feeding on. Swiftly, Julian dropped anchor and urged me to switch to a size 12 Adams fly. Unlike my home waters of the Upper Delaware river, Argentina isn't known for its abundance of mayflies. This added an extra thrill to the experience - no sophisticated trout here, just pure angling bliss. The challenge of fooling these trout with a generic fly like the Adams was tantalizing. I could almost feel the anticipation rising within me as I waited for a hungry trout, hopefully a large one, to take my presentation. Julian and I sat in silence, studying the feeding patterns of our target fish. When we felt he was comfortable and settled into his rhythm, Julian gave me the signal to make a cast and try my luck with our new friend on this beautiful Argentinian river. With a flick of my wrist, I delicately cast the Adams fly just upstream from where the trout was rhythmically sipping insects off the surface of the Collon Cura River. The graceful cast of my line, tippet, and leader flowed upstream, mimicking the natural movements of insects that enticed the wily trout lurking in my home waters of the Upper Delaware river. This technique has proven to be successful countless times, fooling even the most cautious and experienced fish. The fly landed with a gentle plop, riding the current perfectly into the feeding lane of the elusive fish. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched intently, waiting for any sign of interest from the trout below. Seconds stretched into eternity as the fly drifted closer and closer to the rising fish. Suddenly, a subtle swirl broke the surface tension, and my line pulled tight. Setting the hook with a swift motion, I felt the weight of a powerful fish at the other end of my line. The water erupted in a flurry of splashes and thrashing as the trout fought against the pressure of my rod. Julian's voice rose above the noise of the river, guiding me on how to play and tire out the fish. With skill and patience, I gradually brought the trout closer to the boat, my heart pounding with excitement and adrenaline. As the trout surfaced, its vibrant colors shimmered in the sunlight, a beautiful specimen of wild Argentine rainbow trout. Julian deftly slipped the net under the exhausted fish, and as he lifted it aboard, we both let out a whoop of triumph. The trout was a stunning sight to behold, a testament to the allure and challenge of fly fishing in these remote waters”. As I continue on this new path, I invite you to join me on one or many of my fly fishing and wingshooting trips. Let's explore the great outdoors together and make unforgettable memories. As always, I am grateful for your support and look forward to sharing my adventures with you.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
July 2024
AuthorMy love for fly fishing, wingshooting, and photographing the natural world has been an all-encompassing passion in my life. For many years, I have been deeply involved in the fly fishing community as a New York State Guide on the Upper Delaware River, a Montana Guide, and a fly fishing and casting instructor for both beginner and advanced students. But my love for fishing and hunting goes back even further - over 50 years to be exact. From my humble beginnings exploring mountains and streams in Pennsylvania to traveling the globe in search of the best fly fishing and wingshooting destinations, |