Late Winter Fly Fishing

I have some great friends. I am lucky to have been able to make good friends over the years and be able to stay in touch with them. My friend Brian is one such individual. We have done some amazing things together over the years.

One of our favorite things to do together is to get out on the river together and catch large trout. He is much better at it than I am. He is avid yet when he hooks into a large native trout he is as giddy as a child. His excitement is raw and real. He has taught me to love the art of fly fishing. He has taught me how to work hard to find big fish that become memorable and addictive.

As with all friendships, we have had our bumps in the road. None of us are perfect. We all tend to have our struggles and battles in mortality, yet, we are to find joy in all that we do.

Brian and I have known each other since high school. We attended different schools but were made acquaintances thanks to Golden. When I wasn’t harassing Brian on track trips up to the Simplot Games, I was probably out with him and Golden causing some late-night trouble. He and Golden were the best of friends. When we started Altra, Brian was an obvious choice to come along on this adventure with us. I do not regret that decision one bit. Things were not always rosy, but they have played out better than otherwise.

It was twelve years ago when Brian and I started Altra with Golden and we grew it to be a global brand. Whenever Brian and I go out fishing we often fall into reminiscing about the journey that we took together. Those early days were the best. We were as giddy as Brian is in some of these pictures. It is hard to catch big fish, but the reward is a lot of fun. It is hard to start a business but if it has a purpose then the reward is a lot of fun. It is hard to stay the course in life but if we are persistent then the rewards are a lot of fun.

Life is fun. Find the joy! (And maybe go catch some big fish!)