The Art of Fishing - Photography

Anyone who has picked up a fly rod knows that fishing is an art.  The action of fishing itself is a beautiful display of artistry, but art is a much larger part of fishing than having a perfect looping back cast.  Fishing is about telling stories (true or otherwise).  This week I want to talk about photography and how it shapes the stories we tell.  How you tell a story is often just as important as the story itself.

One more cast!

Photography helps us freeze a moment in time.  There is an incredible visceral connection when we look at photographs of some of our fondest memories.  Over the course of this article I am going to share some incredible photos from amateur photographers that I have been on the water with over the last year.  These photographers have little to no formal training and took all of these photos with relatively basic gear.

The maiden voyage

Advancements in modern photography have changed how anglers share their stories.  While underwater cameras, zoom lenses and rapid fire shutters have made amateur photography easier for the average person, there is still an incredible art in taking a beautiful photograph.  Fantastic photographs allow you to relive some of your most incredible experiences and share them with others.  Besides, if you don't get the catch on camera, did it really happen?

Gorgeous day at Lower Kananaskis

The remarkable thing about fishing in Western Canada is that we get to interact with gorgeous creatures in some of the most incredible settings in the entire world.  True artists find a way to use the setting as a perfect canvas for telling the story.  I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of my friends who have allowed me to use their stunning photographs in this article.  At this point I'm going to stop rambling on and allow the photos to tell the rest of the story.   

Western Painted Turtles enjoying the view

Gorgeous Brookie

The hunter on his perch 

My pick for photo of 2014 from Lake of the Falls