A few months ago, I embarked on something of a social experiment. I wondered what would happen if someone finally spoke candidly about the world of fishing. What would be the reaction to unvarnished opinions about the realities of bass fishing and the industry at large? Would those who place themselves in the public eye – in an industry that knows nothing of critical analysis – continue to do and say and promote outrageous things?

We need to apologize to fly fishermen. As bass anglers, we stole their best idea – catch and release – and, in return, gave back nothing. That is, until now when it seems we have given back less than nothing. If Curtis Fleming and Fly Rod Chronicles is any indication of where televised fly fishing is headed, dear fly rodders, I am so, so sorry.

There are certain stories you need to mull over a little longer than others. I know the Jared Miller incident at the Jordan Dam is old news to some and, to most, the reaction was the same: He could have easily bought the farm in those rapids for himself and his marshal, Lisa Cox. If you haven’t seen the footage you should.