Thomas Wilson

I began fly fishing at the age of six years old in the scenic Chattooga river. This beautiful spot is nestled in the Appalachian mountains, and is the home to brown, and rainbow trout. I fished here with my grandfather who introduced me to the sport. No activity has had a larger impact on my life than fly fishing. It captivates my attention and imagination more than anything.

Because of my love for the sport, I have traveled to Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Italy, the Bahamas, and California. On these adventures I have caught over thirty species of fish. However, as I have grown, I have come to realize that it is not the fish I am after. I am not just in search of some fish. Rather, I am searching for the thrill of adventure, and a peace only found in nature. This realization came after many years of fishing. My love for this sport began simply because I loved fishing. However, it has developed into an obsession much deeper than the pursuit of wildlife.

Although it may sound slightly cliche, Henry David Thoreau perfectly encapsulates my love for fishing with one sentence, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after”. The only difference in my case is that I have come to this realization, and it has given me an even deeper appreciation.