GenerationFly

Generation Fly: Fly Fishing With The Y Generation

Generation Y is my generation, and I am proud to be considered a Y. There are a variety of generations living amongst one another who all possess different morals, values and ethics. Certainly, not one trait or characteristic can be placed on an entire generation of people, but specific generations can be looked back upon as living a particular way. For example, the Baby Boomers are known for being individualistic and youthful, while Generation X is known for being diverse and entrepreneurial.

I feel the need to give my young generation a reputation worth remembering.  This can be executed by following the example of older generations and learning from their mistakes. Encompassing each generation with their individual pandemic-proclaimed titles and claim to fame, a change in the “once was” and “soon to come” of fly fishing is part of how my generation will soon be remembered.

Having said that, there are several lessons us fly fishermen can learn from not only the past generations, but also the animals that surround us.  More specifically, observing the life of a trout can deliver multiple life lessons.  Lessons that allow us to see through our absorbed human lives while delivering a less complicated approach to life.  Encountering different generations of fly fishermen throughout my life, I have experienced particular attitudes among the assortment of age groups.

Fly fishing “snobbery” is what I prefer to call the negative outputs I often receive on the water or more specifically in the fly shops.  One cannot refute the fact that fly fishermen are negatively conceived as the social superiors among their peers as well as other fishermen.  This reputation was not placed on the people of fly fishing because of bad luck, but rather it derived from the attitudes demonstrated throughout the years.  Unfortunately, snobbery still exists amidst a multitude of fly fishermen and I often wonder why some feel the need to depreciate value by displaying superiority over others.  Gratefully, I have noticed this unfavorable status start to dwindle as the younger generations are now occupying the rivers and fly shops.

Fly fishing for me is most definitely not about expensive equipment or exorbitant excursions.  My ambition to fly fish is fueled by new experiences, challenges and opportunities.  Opportunities to meet new people, set new goals and explore new places.  It is about the new, which is what my generation is offering to the sport every day.

GenerationFly.org was created to help others, who share a similar passion for fly fishing, by providing insightful information that relates more clearly to the younger, more youthful patrons of the sport.  My “secrets” relating to effective techniques and active waters will not be kept for my own personal pleasure, for what will secluding all this information for my own individual use contribute to the sport?

It is important that fly fishing continues to grow, for this will lead to more supporters and conservationists who protect the waters we often take for granted.  Personal absorption only restricts opportunities for community growth, so let’s share stories, tips and techniques so that our generation of fly fishermen can communicate and work together to not only improve our sport, but also the world we all share and live.

Thank you.

Adam Reder (Creator of GenerationFly.org)