07/12/2025
•NEVERGIVEUP•
This was a memory that will stick with me as long as I live. Particularly because of the series of events that led up to this fish and how hard JJ & Jared worked for both of their giant browns.
In life, we have random, unexpected experiences that help shape who we are. The universe taught me just how important it is to never quit during these 3 specific nights. This father & son trip was truly one of those life changing experiences.
At 16 years old, JJ was relatively new to fly fishing, but I could see that he had the right mechanics to become a good caster. However, throwing 8wt fly rods with large mouse flies can be challenging. He just kept sticking with it and trying his best. We had really high water, which means casting accurately and quickly can be a huge advantage as we’re hunting our mouse flies tight to the bank over and over.
The last night of their 3-night trip, the fishing was really slow. We were grinding for the very few eats we had. Then Jared broke the ice and caught a 29”, 10.2-pound buck.
Meanwhile, the clock tick down as sunrise approaches. JJ pulled everything he had into the last part of the night. His casting had become phenomenal. His line management, his retrieve, his strip set… he just needed a good fish to strike…
Boom. He sticks this giant at 3:45am.
JJ earned every bit of this mega buck Brown Trout.
Congratulations, my friends. Thank you for the memories and support.🙏🏼
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