Home Waters

A spring brown caught by Cam Chioffi

Everywhere is home to someone. 

As anglers we see the water in a different way than most people. Everyone has a puddle, pond, lake, river, creek, crick, bay, or sea that gave them the bug. You know the bug I’m talking about, whether you remember catching it or not. It’s where you first felt the energy of a fish pulling on your line travel down the rod into your palms, up your arms, through your veins, into your head, then finally your heart. This is your water, your place. You know the sounds, smells, and sights well enough to recall them if you just closed your eyes and listened. Our home waters are sacred to us for many reasons, and much like the people you find on the water, they are all very different and amazing in their own ways. Circumstances are now bringing people home, further pushing us to explore our backyards and rediscover the feeling of our home water. 

The freedom of local adventure brings out a childish spirit in us that is hard to come by in the world. During my time in the industry I’ve met people from all over the world who’ve traveled our blue planet chasing dream fish in dream destinations. The current reality for most is far from this. In the meantime anglers all over the world are rediscovering their backyards, which brings me to a powerful point; The authenticity of a fishing experience can be characterized by your physical and spiritual connection to the place. In simpler terms, how well do you know this place and the things that give it life? Money can buy us life changing experiences, destinations offer the allure of the “other”. When it comes down to it, few things can replace the feelings and experiences our home waters bring us.

Here’s to the water that started us down this path, has provided endless memories, and will always be there for us when we return home. 

Photo by Kyle Jordan