Compleat Thought » spring fishing http://compleatthought.com Conservation, Education, and New Media in Fly-fishing. Don't forget the Peanut Butter & Bacon. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:32:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Our Lifestyle Runs Downstream http://compleatthought.com/2011/04/21/our-lifestyle-runs-downstream/ http://compleatthought.com/2011/04/21/our-lifestyle-runs-downstream/#comments Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:49:05 +0000 kyleindenver http://compleatthought.com/?p=1461

I thought it may be proper on the eve of Earth Day 2011 to share a great program from Recycled Fish. While most of us practice catch and release, we can go much further in today’s world of water shortages and energy consumption. Teeg Stouffer of Recycled Fish has this to say:

We are more than anglers. More than what we do for our jobs. We are more than parents and kids. More than tenants or homeowners; more than consumers. We are Stewards.

That’s the message at Recycled Fish, the non-profit organization of ‘anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.’ Just in time for Earth Day, the Recycled Fish website (RecycledFish.org) has taken on a new look, and a timely invitation to take the Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge.

“Before, across the top of every page we had a dozen species of fish being released,” says Executive Director Teeg Stouffer. “Our new look reflects not just what we do, but who we are. And we are stewards. This is much bigger than just catch and release.”

Keeping in time with both Earth Day and the spring fishing season, Recycled Fish invites anglers to take the Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge.

“Our lifestyle runs downstream, so everyday choices like what we put on our lawns, whether we buy recycled paper, or turning off a light when we leave a room matter just as much as catch and release and selective harvest,” says Stouffer.

Anglers who believe that our waters need not just sportsmen, but stewards, are encouraged to take the Stewardship Pledge.

It’s free to take the Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge and join Recycled Fish, but for just a $10 donation you’ll receive a Stewardship Kit including lead free tackle from Bullet Weights, Daiichi Circle Hooks, a Shark Tooth line cutter, a Seafood Watch Card, discounts from Recycled Fish partners and information on easy ways to live as a steward every day.

Serious stewards make a $25 donation and receive a Stewardship Kit including those gifts plus a Recycled Fish T-Shirt and a $5 Gift Certificate to DICK’S Sporting Goods as thanks for helping support the cause.

“For every dollar donated we can get about three gallons of trash off a lake, or teach two kids about taking care of their waters,” said Stouffer.

To take the Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge visit www.RecycledFish.org and click on the Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge logo.

With over 12,000 people from all 50 states already taking the pledge, I am one of them. Will you be next?
]]> http://compleatthought.com/2011/04/21/our-lifestyle-runs-downstream/feed/ 0 The Birds Are Starting to Nest http://compleatthought.com/2010/03/02/the-birds-are-starting-to-nest/ http://compleatthought.com/2010/03/02/the-birds-are-starting-to-nest/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:26:58 +0000 kyleindenver http://compleatthought.com/?p=525 As it normally happens, I woke this morning and stumbled to the coffee maker then out back to the porch to start the morning. While watching the dogs run up and down the fence barking at their friends next door, I looked up and noticed a small sparrow sitting under the awning with a small twig in her mouth. She sat there for a few minutes, making sure the coast was clear, then shot into the bird house not two feet away from her. Seconds later her little head poked out and she flew away from the house. This brings a big fat smile to my face every year.

You may be asking yourself, “So what?”. Well, this is my yearly sign that spring fishing is upon us, and yes, it only get’s better from here. Bugs are on the move as the water starts to warm, and the trout will move from their deep, slow holes into faster moving water – increasing their feeding activity. In between our spring snow storms, watch for warming temperatures. Yes, this also means ice may be breaking away, so please be very careful out there. Fishing the rivers and canyons of Colorado can be a little dangerous if you’re not prepared. Just read more about Tucker Ladd’s experience here: “Fly Fishing, maybe not the safest sport on the planet…”

So folks – put away all that weight and your small nymphs (well, not really), and start rigging your dry-droppers. BWOs should start popping on the Arkansas River soon, as I’ve already heard of good reports on the Blue, Taylor, and Pan.

See you out there! Tight Lines!

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