I do catch some a lot of heat for being a photographer, and doing more, exponentially more, writing than photography in any given post on Texas Fly Caster. I know we aren’t going to achieve balance, in one fell swoop, but there were some interesting and rather unusual images to be made around the camp along the banks of the White River in Arkansas.

Whether it was Johnny’s pickled peaches that looked like … well, what they looked like, or Nick’s morning wardrobe choices along with cold beverages, interesting and unusual images did show themselves to my camera lens. It’s tempting to slap a little Arkansas generalization on the shot of a car key made into a lure, but then that would paint a whole state in a certain light now wouldn’t it?

Then there’s the classically typical image of fly rods lined up in a picture perfect line, waiting, no begging, to be captured. And what intermission would be complete without a fly photograph? Admire the fly that did the most damage, bar none. Yes, it’s a simplistic black woolly bugger.

JUST A SHORT NOTE FROM YOUR FLY CASTER

I just wanted to remind you that April is when things get really going around the warmwater fly fishing arena, and in order to keep you on top of everything that is fly fishing all over Texas, I would appreciate it if you remember to check out all the sponsors on the site – ads in the left column, pertinent google ads, and even “donate” if you have even the smallest amount to help fill the gas tank for the next destination. Something for nothing is hard to come by in most places these days, but don’t forget you can get something for something in the FLY SHOP on this site. I sent out a hook order to Southern California this week and an order of Coyote Carp Flies to Dallas, Texas …. that works for me.

I need to remind the hundreds(!) of unique, and regular daily Texas Fly Caster readers, that I do have to work just like the vast majority of you do to, in these days, get by. So if you are unfamiliar with my photography work, I have two distinct sites that represent my work, and they are www.shannondrawe.com for my magazine and commercial photography, and www.sdphotography.com for the retail side of my photography work. I would like nothing more than to work with like minded fly fishers in the other worlds my work populates, so if you’re getting married in Boulder (yes we have readers there), or have a magazine shoot in Austin (lots of readers there too), feel free to contact me and let’s get to work! My current career, the one that chose me, mingles quite well with the demands of this site’s readers, and I know we would all like to keep it that way. Thanks – Shannon

BACK TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING
I am still working on bringing you the White River Arkansas posts, and once that’s all in line, I am expecting to roll out another post tomorrow. I am working to keep these short and with more posts, as not to wear you out through another 1500 word treatise. The details of the trip, from memory, are just so interesting, as most journeys are to me, and the idea that when we left for Arkansas I would, a) sit in a 5-thousand dollar rocking chair, and b) see the most beautiful rainbow trout I had seen to this point in my life … those ideas were in the vapor.

PS – We are always interested in what you have to say as well!

It’s time to see what you got! This is a new contest with a single prize for first place, no seconds – I’m feeling a little capitalistic-optimistic-jingoistic today.
The theme for the month long contest is “Exotic,” and will be related in some way to fly fishing, or the culture of fly fishing. If you don’t know what that is, be sure to check Texas Fly Caster archives. I am confident that you do know and will send in one entry per person culminating in a final five to be judged by readers – registered users, when all is said and done.

The first place award this month is a Cliff’s Super Day’s Worth fly box (not including flies of course), and it will be awarded to the person who gets the most registered votes in the final. You can find all details on the contest and the necessary form on the “Contest” page of the site. I am still fleshing out this contest, so if you have suggestions please suggest … otherwise don’t complain.

There are roughly a dozen stories in the queue related to freshwater trout fishing in Texas, Oklahoma and the final entries from Colorado. Be sure to check back daily as these will be coming in rapid fire succession, and if you snooze, you have to dig into the archives.

Your image will not qualify unless a second image includes the above. Click to enlarge and drag it off and print it.