Generation Z

Now more than ever there is a growing number of young flyfishermen. It is time that magazines and clothing/equipment companies take notice. Seeing pictures of Grandpa Joe casting his cane rod in his new Orvis waders doesn't exactly get my generation amped to go fishing. Documentaries such as Trout Bum Diaries and The Hatch and magazines such as The Drake have been important in the flyfishing market to show that there are young guys out there who don't want our sport to be labeled as old, white and rich. Clearly that is still the major market and majority, which is why the market is directed at them. They have the numbers and the money, so it's understandable.

I love seeing old guys out there hitting the water all day, hard. That's how I want to be when I'm old and decrepit. But right now I'm young and full of energy and just happen to be obsessed with an old-timers sport. And I'm not alone. All over the country young guys (and girls) are being seen on rivers. That's awesome, it's a sign that this great sport will continue to grow for a long time.

Generation Z is here. It's time we are recognized and accepted. We are the young bucks of this thing, and we will pretty much do anything to catch a fish, anywhere. I know my friends and I aren't the only ones who wake up early, fish for twelve hours non-stop on the river hunting down anything with fins, then head to the bar (in our waders still) smelling like "cheap cigars, B.O., and fish" (RG). And yes, we still hit on chicks. You booze your face off all night and drag yourself onto anything resembling a bed, then wake up and do it all over again the next day the exact same way. I just don't think the cane-walkers can keep up with that. I'm sure they have stories just like that when they were my age, and I enjoy hearing those stories thoroughly. There is nothing better than meeting an old guy by himself on the river, and listening to his stories. Flyfishing could be a great fraternity. Is it now? I'm on the fence.

Not only do we have our grievances with bait fishermen, old guys and young guys seem to be separating. Yeah, we pound water harder for longer than other people. Sure, we use crazy techniques with huge, new patterns. If we catch a fish, we're gonna get some funny pics with it and scream about it. That's exciting. I didn't read anywhere in the rule book that silence, solitude and proper English was required to be considered a flyfisherman. Be loud, be excited, and be happy you're on the river. We just have to make sure we are respectful of the other anglers on the water. When different generations pass each other on the river 'hello's' should be exchanged. There's nothing wrong with saying how your day went and what you were using if you caught a few. Make a new friend, no matter what his age.

The bottom line is the rookies of this sport need a voice to express our opinions. Even though we may act like it, we don't know everything, and some advice or even a funny anecdote from an older guy is appreciated. You never know, we most likely have some information that will help you out also.