I recently was given two new books, The Alaska Chronicles by Miles Nolte and North of Easie by Bob Romano, two great books but totally different books. Even though they were different, I really had a hard time putting them down and looked forward to picking them up, daily.
North of Easie is a novel that is set in western Maine in a small town called Easie. Bob shows, you really never know who your neighbor is and that fishing and the simple life can heal all of your past baggage. The guide, Christine, and an old friend from the mob, ties the story together to make you turn page after page looking for the answers.
The Alaska Chronicles is a daily journal of a guide’s season in Alaska. Miles takes you through his day to day chores from cleaning out the outhouse to clients that he loves and hates. Miles takes away all the glamour people believe comes with guiding and really shows you the way it is.
Both books are an easy read and will keep you entertained on these cold winter days or around the campfire while you are creating your own adventures.
Kevin McKay
No Sports Allowed Vol.1
No Sports Allowed Vol.1
I was recently sent a copy of No Sports Allowed. I had never heard of this film or the guys producing this film, so I had no expectations, unlike my expectations on some of the bigger names putting out fly fishing films. One thing I have seen is, if you want to get anyone’s attention you need to put something out there that is different, or do it better than anyone one else.
No Sports Allowed shows you what some guides in Idaho like to do on their day off, hang out with friends and fish. This film is smack full of fish porn, good music and camaraderie of friends and family enjoying what they love best, fly fishing.
I really enjoyed how they took you on each adventure with them and made you feel like you were part of the adventure. The characters along with all the fish footage really ties this film together. The places they could get those skiffs into really made me want to get one and try some adventures of my own.
This was a fun film to watch and I will be sharing it with my buddies. If you want to pick a copy up for yourself you can get them at No Sports Allowed.
RISE film review
Rise
This past week I was sent an early copy of the new film, Rise. In 2008 The film, Drift was released and it was highly acclaimed and this film is no different. I think Rise takes it to the next level with the cinematography and how in depth the stories are.This is a great documentary and I will find myself spending many cold, winter days watching this and dreaming of some time going to these great places.
We all have a story and this film does a great job bringing each individual’s story to life and with the combination of incredible footage of the environment and landscape, all done in HD, it is hard not to be drawn in. In the new film Rise, they show a few who have made fishing their lifestyle and passion. Their stories will capture you and you can feel the passion and enjoyment of what they do by hearing it in their voices.
My favorite part of Rise is the segment called “Angler’s Paradise.” I particularly enjoyed this section because it’s about three different generations running a lodge and making fly fishing their way of life. I liked how it described the history of Angler’s Paradise and that it is was the first fishing lodge in Alaska.
“We fish because it is fun,” are the final words spoken by the narrator in the fly fishing film Rise. All of us who chase fish know, that is why we all do it and Rise shows you just how fun it can be.
I must admit I am addicted to all the new fly fishing films and I own almost all of them. I also don’t think since the movie A river Runs Through it, there has been a film that has of the same quality or captures you into the story, until now.
I have watched the Rivers of a Lost Coast four times since receiving it and have let friends and family watch it. The reaction is always the same, “That was incredible!” I even had a film producer friend say, “that it is award winning quality.”
The film is a documentary of the decline of fishing on the west coast and the conflict between two friends but, the way the stories are presented doesn’t feel like that. Each story draws you in and keeps you watching.
This film is a must see for anyone who cares about their fishery. This film will make you aware that it could happen to your own river and that we all play a part in protecting our fisheries.
I highly recommend you go see this film or buy it when it comes out. It is a film you will watch for years to come.
I had the rare weekend off from guiding and it happened to be the 4th of July weekend and my wedding anniversary. I knew I wanted to get the family fishing, but where? I remembered I had met Bob Blunt, the son of the owner of Grant’s Camps in Rangeley, and he had invited me to come up, so I gave him a call and booked a couple of nights.
I have been very skeptical about all the gates in Rangeley and that you need to stay at a lodge or know the right person, but I have to say there was something very special about the idea of hooking a fish that might not have ever seen a fly or have been hooked.
I wasn’t there ten minutes and Bob was convincing me to go hit the river. My wife, being the best wife ever, unpacked the truck and got us settled. Bob, his dad, and I, hit the Kennebago river and within minutes I was onto my first Kennebago salmon.
I am not sure what it was, but there was a different look to this fish from other salmon I have caught.The spots seemed bigger and blacker and the cheek color was unique.
While the weather was cool and rainy, we were able to hike into a remote pond where canoes and boats are stashed. They packed us a lunch and we had a shore side lunch after our hike in. Jen and the boys got a bunch of small brook trout but Bob’s wife got a 19 inch brook trout right up to the boat before it got away.
Jen also had the opportunity to get out with the boys and I and fished for wild brook trout in the Logans, which is part of Kennebago lake. As far as we could see there were rising fish, I sat there and watched them catch brook trout, it was very special to watch my wife and kids have fun catch trout on dries and laughing when they missed one and giggling like kids when they were able to hook one.
When we weren’t out fishing the lake, the boys were casting off the dock or lazing in the hammock.
Grant’s is a real special place. The owners, the food, the fish, the location and the guests really make it a great place to experience. You can truly sense the history of the cabins and the lake. You can only imagine all the fishing tales that unfolded once upon a time, on those cool Rangely boats. Not to mention the happy hours spent on each dock in front of the quaint cabins while guests shared times past and thoughts for the day. Perhaps generations of anglers pay this place a visit. We can’t wait to return!
Jim has been coming to Grant’s for 22 years.
Rangely boat parked in front of the camp.
The food was homemade goodness! The wait staff, in particular, Mark, made it a welcoming experience.
