The new American Angler should be hitting the shelves soon and there are some good reads to be had in its pages. The theme is DIY and adventure. And there are few adventures that rank as high as going into the mountains with a pack and a tent on your back, whether to find fish or for other reasons. When you’re in the crags anything can happen, whether that’s wildlife invading camp or
mountain storms bearing down. Most anglers never make it into the high country with a rod and reel, and they miss out on some seriously fun fishing. High country trout aren’t too skeptical and they can grow to good size. You’ll learn that in the story, If I’d Ever Been to Iceland, which recounts author Jeff Day’s hike into the Wind River Range for golden trout (and you’ll meet two memorable characters—Flu Guy and the Iron Haired Lady). You’ll also read about big time adventure enjoyed by a father and his daughters as they navigate towering peaks to find cutthroats and learn a little about themselves. And you’ll also read about a 12-day adventure in Montana’s Beartooth Range, which offers cutthroats and goldens and plain solitude. It also hosts grizzlies, which adds an element to the whole affair.
If you take the bait, meaning you read these pieces and say, I’m heading to the mountains this summer, you’ll be pleased to find a rundown on some of the essential gear you’ll need to get into and out of the mountains safely. We tested this stuff and it performs very well, even in the most trying conditions.
Saltwater holds adventure, too, and Scott Sadil is the madmen seeking whatever comes his way. In, The Best Sport Money Can’t Buy, Sadil runs his boat to the far shores in Baja and finds seclusion and a beach with a big surprise. Read this piece and you’ll dream of building a boat and sailing for untouchable water and scads for elusive fish . . . all too oneself. In Cold Front, Jerry Gibbs runs into bad conditions in the Bayou and somehow perseveres, in the process making a discovery about tackle for reds in bad conditions.
There’s more: wading with great whites; prospecting for a 10-pound Kamloops rainbow; trying to save the Smith River; the attack of the yellow jacket; the place to chow down on oysters; flies for the high country, and more.
Please pick up a copy, or subscribe, as I think you’ll find that American Angler has changed—in its pages you’ll now find plenty of motivation and lots of reasons to dream big this summer. —GT