An Interview with FishTalk Magazine's Zach Ditmars

[CHOC]

[Mark]

Grant,

That was a really nice interview.

I very much appreciate both "Fishtalk" and "PropTalk" magazines. I’ve penned articles for both primarily to publicize the Free State Fly Fishers. Lenny Rudow at "Fishtalk" and the folks at "PropTalk" were very easy to work with and as Zach mentioned they’re supportive of local organizations.

The discussion with Zach about the evolution of his kayak angling journey was something Snaggedliners could relate to. Many of us have more than one fishing kayak. It just happens! But Zach has me beat on PFDs. I have only two. My first one (as a backup now) and my NRS Chinook.

You even delved into the sad story of vanishing tidal pickerel. I hope they are indeed cyclical as Zach said. And I was glad to hear that Zach is winter pickerel chaser like me traveling east to millponds to find them. What fun they are to catch on winter day.

I’m not keen on snakeheads…yet. I’ve caught only one and I thought it was way too much work pulling the lure through the thick salad at Mattawoman. Your discussion about their expanding range and different environments has me thinking I should give them another try.

But Grant, while I agree with you that sailing looks difficult, and I’ve never done it, I can tell you that fly fishing is easy and effective – even while seated in a kayak. Don’t wait until you’re 70 to try it!

Good job.

[CHOC]

Grant,

That was a really nice interview.

I very much appreciate both "Fishtalk" and "PropTalk" magazines. I’ve penned articles for both primarily to publicize the Free State Fly Fishers. Lenny Rudow at "Fishtalk" and the folks at "PropTalk" were very easy to work with and as Zach mentioned they’re supportive of local organizations.

The discussion with Zach about the evolution of his kayak angling journey was something Snaggedliners could relate to. Many of us have more than one fishing kayak. It just happens! But Zach has me beat on PFDs. I have only two. My first one (as a backup now) and my NRS Chinook.

You even delved into the sad story of vanishing tidal pickerel. I hope they are indeed cyclical as Zach said. And I was glad to hear that Zach is winter pickerel chaser like me traveling east to millponds to find them. What fun they are to catch on winter day.

I’m not keen on snakeheads…yet. I’ve caught only one and I thought it was way too much work pulling the lure through the thick salad at Mattawoman. Your discussion about their expanding range and different environments has me thinking I should give them another try.

But Grant, while I agree with you that sailing looks difficult, and I’ve never done it, I can tell you that fly fishing is easy and effective – even while seated in a kayak. Don’t wait until you’re 70 to try it!

Good job.

Mark, thanks for the kind words of encouragement! Your book still might be my favorites in terms of how enjoyable it was to read.

Maybe I’ll give fly fishing another shot. After all, people are going to get bored of watching me jig and troll with spinning gear, right?! In all seriousness, I’ve shied away from it because a buddy of mine strictly flies from a kayak and I always outfish him.

[Mark]

Mark, thanks for the kind words of encouragement! Your book still might be my favorites in terms of how enjoyable it was to read.

Maybe I’ll give fly fishing another shot. After all, people are going to get bored of watching me jig and troll with spinning gear, right?! In all seriousness, I’ve shied away from it because a buddy of mine strictly flies from a kayak and I always outfish him.

Grant,

That depends on what you mean by outfish…

Quantity? My enjoyment fly fishing and perhaps that of your friend involves more than quantity. There's something special about controlling a fish, especially a large one by retrieving the line manually as opposed to cranking a reel handle. Like this one I caught on a popper this past Thursday:

P1040689.jpg P1040691.jpg

That's a pretty good bass. Even for those using conventional tackle.

It also depends on where and when you are fishing. I firmly believe that fly anglers have an advantage for winter pickerel on Eastern Shore ponds. Spring bluegills at times seemingly jump on small surface flies in those same ponds cast after cast. They will tire you out. I can also attest I've caught many more SM and LM bass on flies as opposed to conventional tackle both in freshwater impoundments and on the upper Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers. Admittedly, I'm inclined to flyfish more than use conventional tackle. So indeed I've caught more of those species that way. But when I've fished in those locales on outings with folks using conventional tackle, I've held my own with them quantitatively.

And then there's catching fish on flies you've tied. That's satisfying beyond words. I also pour my own jigs, but I derive much more enjoyment catching fish on flies I create as opposed to the jigs. The jigs are easily replicated. One looks just like the next. But every fly I make is somewhat unique.

So maybe your friend thinks he is outfishing you, even if you catch more or larger fish if that's the case. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you're keeping an open mind on the matter.

Continued success with your program.

[CHOC]

Mark, if you don’t mind, send me a PM on a basic, but quality fly rod to get me started. I’m down to give it a try!

[zditmars]

An Interview with FishTalk Magazine's Zach Ditmars

Grant, thanks for having me over to talk fishing. I had a great time. Mark, thanks for the feedback. I told Grant that you and John V. were both FishTalk contributors. Thanks for helping make the magazines what they are!


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[Mark]

Zach -- You're very welcome.

Grant -- I sent you a PM as requested.