During the COVID-19 crisis, faithful Fish Stories ambassadors are doing their part to keep people positive and optimistic.  Some of these stories are about childhood memories, some are a recent smile-enducing encounter.  All of these stories will help us find perspective in a time of so many unknowns.  Thank your friendly Fish Stories ambassador for what they do, and spread the good word with your networks.   Stay fishy my friends.  

The Midwest Angler Podcast is a weekly podcast focused on fishing in the Upper Midwest.
They interview interesting anglers and industry pros from across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.  Loved having a conversation with these guys, and I can't wait until we can get on the water and tell some stories together.  

To record a fishing story and upload it to the archive, start here.  The fishing world will appreciate you for it.  

Marty Hughes moved to Nebraska in 1976.  Until that time, he had moved around a lot within a military family.  But he set his roots in the cornhusker state and found awesome fishing opportunities!  When he decided to try paddling to stay in shape, he opened a world of opportunities for angling, and has been growing the sport ever since.  

Check him out on Instagram

Kayakjak

Kayakjak Angler Profiles

Uncommon Educator Blog

Fish Stories is proud to partner with Hagen's Fishing in Mitchell, So. Dak.   Hagen's Fishing takes pride in customer satisfaction and prompt service.  They manufacture and distribute tackle components, marine gear, and fly fishing supplies to retailers all over the world.  They are a great family owned and operated business with dedicated staff and a powerful purpose.  Go to Hagensfish.com and thank them for supporting the archive!

Lance Valentine is a charter boat captain and angling educator from Flint, MI.  He has always wanted to work in the fishing industry and his grit and determination has allowed that to happen.  Anyone who wants to be a better angler or has aspirations to work in the industry can learn something from Lance.  Enjoy!

Teachinfishin.com

You can watch my Ted Talk about the importance of recording angler voices right here.  

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Hagen's Fishing as a premier sponsor of the Fish Stories Archive.  They manufacture and distribute tackle, tackle components, and marine equipment all over the world.  Check out their legendary catelog of items and give them a call to place an order.  They are a great family owned and operated business with dedicated staff and a powerful purpose.  Go to Hagensfish.com and thank them for supporting the archive!    

2019 was a great year for fishing stories!  With 2020 on the horizon, here is a look at some of our favorites.  

Kristine Fischer grew up in small town Nebraska.  I met her at the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) conference in La Crosse, WI. We sat down to chat about her childhood, career path, mentors, goals, and legacy.  It's a short conversation, but we touched on some great topics. I believe we can all take something away from Kristine's journey and the things she has learned along the way. Check out her instagram stories for a taste of her writing @midwestfishergal.

This story would not have been possible without the support of huntfishsd.com.  This is the premier directory for hunting and fishing adventure in northeast South Dakota.  HuntFishSD.com is your one stop resource for planning trips and finding vetted industry partners to trust with your next South Dakota experience.  HuntFishSD.com.  #huntfishsd

We met David Sawatzky on the side of a gravel road in a tie die t-shirt and arm sling.  We could not believe what he was doing in this tiny creek, so we had to stop and have a conversation.  How many times have you stopped to chat with a stranger? Hopefully this audio will inspire you to stop and talk with a stranger next time you get out on the water. It's all about the connections!

Shaun Lezotte is a fly fishing guide with Dakota Angler and Outfitter in Rapid City, So. Dak. He has been fly fishing since he was a teenager, but loves traditional fishing methods just as well. We sat down in the comfort of the new fly shop on a busy Jackson Blvd to talk fishing, hunting, significant others, and what the future holds.

Clay Groves is an educator and licensed fishing guide from the triangular state of New Hampshire. Clay loves to talk to people about his true passion for fish, fishing, and eating fish...a past-time that has led him to becoming the Chief Executive Nerd on the Fish Nerds podcast.  As the podcast, and his audience grows, so does Clay's library of great audio shows feature fish experts from all around the area.  

Check out his new website here, and then go to his Patreon page where you can support his work and keep the Fish Nerds going strong!

Music (In order of appearance):

Jason Shaw - "Mountain Sun" 

Hans Hylkema - "Backyard Adventure"

Charlie Moore is a South Dakotan with a fishing life story that has a lot going on.  He grew up in the professional fishing world.  All of his angling dreams were coming to fruition, but he lost his grip on true happiness.  Fishing was turing into a job.  In order to get his mojo back he made the move from pro angler to pastor.

Paul Fosheim has been a member of the South Dakota Deaf Anglers for many years.  He and his fellow deaf anglers get together at least once each year to fish together.  This year, they were on the banks of Lake Oahe in central South Dakota.  

The South Dakota Deaf Anglers was created in 1982.  This organization gives members of the deaf community an opportunity to learn more about fishing, and to meet others who share a similar passion.  While there were cash prizes on the line for anyone with lady luck and skill on their side that day, that is not the reason they get together.  This episode talks a little bit about their fishing experiences and what it means to fish while deaf.   

Music (in order of appearance): 

"Coal Miners" - Artofescapism

"Swansong" by Josh Woodward

"Love Wins" by Lee Rosevere