Finding your way..

To say the last year or so has been a trying one is a certain understatement. My personal life has undergone a total makeover and the realization of whats important in life has finally taken center stage. I can look back on the trials in my life and feel sorry for me or move on and be a better me than I was before, I choose the latter.

And so it goes in my "fishing life" as well, I can always look at a day spent on the water and consider only those days that I have caught more than my share of fish as a successful trip or I can look back at the days God has given me on the water too reflect and find myself regardless of the number of fish that were brought to hand and consider that a stellar day! Again I choose the latter..

My everyday life is not always in my control, nor is it for any of us, but it makes me question is this why we fish? I can choose the what, the where and the how when I'm on the water. I can choose how long ill fish and  what ill be using on that day.. But now the biggest question is,what do we choose to take from this day?

On a recent trip with a friend and first time fly fisher,(yeah my recruitment rate is on the rise!..lol) I found myself not caring how many fish we landed. I laughed and enjoyed every moment of that day and considered it a very successful trip.We landed a few fish and lost a lot more, but it was the sun and the water and the laughter that we find only when we learn to let go of the "Catch" and engulf ourselves in the experience instead.

A beautiful Spring Brown..

My life trials certainly are not over and I'm very sure that Ill slip from this clarity again and fall backwards into the abyss of the "Catch", but just like in life, I'm taking it one day at a time and trying to make the best of even the worst situations. Life isn't always fair but its always a learning experience. And so we move on and look for those moments that lift us up....Thank God mine are on the stream...

<((><
Jeff

CONTEST ALERT....H&H Outfitters Giveaway.

Want to win free stuff and support the dreams of fellow fly fisherman just like us? Then join in on the fun and take a look at diyflykit.com . I love the heart and the story of these guys, so when they contacted me about partnering with them to do a giveaway it was a no brainer. H&H Outfitters are a couple of guys who are sharing there passion and love of the sport with some pretty sick shirts and hats and other apparel and with the message that this is a sport for the everyday fly guy/gal, the weekend warrior and the die hard, One look at some of the designs and you'll see what I mean...

To the right of this page you will see the H&H link, click on it and take a look... then go to facebook.com/highonthefly and like and share this post and put yourself in the running to win a hat, shirt, drink koozie and sticker package from the guys over at H&H...

Show some love and win some cool stuff.....GO!

<((><
Jeff

Dryft Waders...

If you follow the blog you know that I have had my eye on a new wader company for awhile now. Well  dryftfishing.com is up and ready for you to check them out. The first look at the waders and you know this is no ordinary company. The fresh look of the product is the first thing that catches your eye and  lets face it, they just look "SICK"....

• S13 Adrenaline Wader

We all spend a lot of time on the water and I'm sure like all of you, I have spent some serious money on waders through the years! But if the look of the Dryft waders isn't enough to sell you...this will. Quality waders at an economical price!! WHAT???? that's right kids... Bang for your buck. The waders sell for $199.00!! Yep cheaper than your last night out with the Lil Lady or the Ol'Man and a hell of a lot more fun.

• S13 CHSR Wader

So I'm gonna keep this brief so you can shoot over to dryftfishing.com and check em' out yourself. And while your there take a look at the other apparel, I have a couple of the drift boat T's and they are the most comfortable shirt I own ..seriously.

<((><
Jeff

Great time great show!

I spent my Saturday in Warren MI at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo. To say that this is Christmas to a fly geek is an understatement. Wall to wall gear and great conversation was abound. I got to talk to some great people and some old friends and to my pleasure met some new friends. The talent and info in this industry never ceases to amaze me and the kindness and willingness to share and tell stories is so refreshing. If you haven't had the opportunity to attend this show, you must find the time next year. If you have then you know this is all true and Ill see you next year!

Mike Schmidt from Anglers choice flies

Cameron Mortenson from the Fiberglass Manifesto.

Lee and Jeff from Clutch Tactical Fly Rods.

Goat Head Gear

Take a look over to solespikes.com and check out their awesome product. Like em on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well.

<((><
Jeff

Hey Ladies!!!! Your turn.

Great response from the last pic share giveaway... so lets do it again! But this time, lets add a twist. Lets see our fisherwomen pics... I have such a great female following on here so I wanna see how the ladies are doing out there. So lets post up your favorite fishing pictures on HOTF Facebook and see what we get.
Up for grabs this time.....Loon Outdoors nippers and some Simms chapstick!! and of course a HOTF sticker to boot!


<((><
Jeff

Giveaway!!!!

Bored at work so what better a time to giveaway a pair of Loon all purpose scissors snd some stickers!! Post up your favorite fishing pic to HOTF Facebook page and ill pick a winner Tonight!!!.....GO!

<((><
Jeffh

Dryft Waders and apparel.

I've been eagerly awaiting the release of dryftfishing.com 's new waders which are to be released in late February 2013. A really different look and style and I am going to jump on a pair as soon as they are released. I have been following the blog for awhile now and have had a little correspondence and offered my support when they release. Take a look at the site and I think you will see what I see... Another fresh face in the fishing industry and I for one am STOKED!!

Click the Dryft logo on the right side of the page to check em' out!!

Loon Outdoors.

Thank you to Loon Outdoors for partnering with me here at HOTF for product and swag giveaways. I think its gonna be a great year. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know Loon Outdoors and the quality of their products. So stay tuned and get ready... The HOTF train is forging full steam ahead in 2013!!

<((><
Jeff

Go to the left side of the page for a quick link to Loon Outdoors website.

Starting new...

Well its the New year and it starts year two here at HOTF. I never realized how cathartic this all could be and many people that I haven't met actually become people I consider friends. It's an amazing thing to see a whole new world open up to you and to realize the fact that I am not alone in my passion, miles may separate us and styles change but in the end we are all searching for the same thing that to us only swinging a fly line can give us.

When I started this thing I wasn't actually sure what I was doing or why I was doing it, but now it seems so clear. Its an opportunity to share and to open up and release all that I have in my mind in regards to "The Passion". In so many ways fly fishing (to me) is so metaphorical. I can insert and or replace the lessons learned and efforts exerted into my daily life. Stopping to enjoy the scenery that we all enjoy is something we should do in everyday life. Do we all ever take the time to look at the beauty that is in our life on a daily basis? I for one do not! When we have a bad day of fishing, do we give up and never go again?... Nope , me neither. But can we say that in life?

Ill step off my soapbox now just to say, take the New Year, the fresh beginning and  take the lessons that we know in our fishing life and use them in with ourselves and our loved ones. I know I'm as guilty as anyone on not living in the now and am determined to remedy this. Too much time dedicated on the what ifs and why not's and far less time smelling the roses.

Thanks for being a part of all of this and I look forward to another year!

<((><
Jeff