June 2020 - Carpe Diem!

Carpe Diem!

If nothing else, Half-Life is about trying cool, new things and doing more of what we love. Outdoors or indoors, learning something new and being active is what we’re all about.

(You can click this video about overcoming fear of learning a sport after 30)

This month’s story embodies the Half-Life way. Have you ever gone bonefishing? Half-Lifer Doug Hawkins has always wanted to. Sun in the Florida Keys, fishing from the boat deck with a cooler full of cold Coronas. . . and of course the thrill of catching a spectacular fish on a fly rod, ten pounds of pure muscle and adrenaline challenging your heart and soul. But like the rest of us, Doug has been locked down by this little cold thing going around. (Don’t feel bad for him, he’s “stuck” in Hood River, Oregon, windsurfing capital of the world, where he’s out on his board almost every day.)

(Click this video to see Kiteboarding the east end of the Columbia Gorge.)

Out for a walk, thinking about the Florida sun and fishing, Doug came across a pond full of giant carp. . . about the size of a bonefish. That’s when he came up with the idea—bonefishing in Oregon! Could he catch a carp with a fly rod? He posed the question to other Half-Lifers during a Zoom cocktail hour. “You mean wild gold fish?” someone said. “Bottom feeding scum suckers don’t hit on flies,” said another. “That sounds like a challenge,” Doug responded, and a week later he sent us this picture and text.

“Landed! Not easy getting a hold of this hog with no net, getting the fly out and then posing for a pic! So fun!”

That is how you Half-Life it! The beauty of taking on a challenge is that it makes you better. Figuring out how to catch a giant carp with a fly rod—Doug got better at casting, better at thinking like a fish, and had a blast. (Not to mention shutting up the naysayers.) And when this little inconvenience blows over, you may see him in the Keys at Papa Hemingways, telling stories about the giant bonefish that didn’t get away.

Half-Life Product of the Month?
Of course it's the fly that caught that fish! A Zug Bug at your local fly shop.

For the Aspiring Fisherman
In case you want to get into the action. This rod and reel combo is the perfect setup for the beginning fly guy or gal. Also checkout Red's site for lessons of all kinds and the biggest bonus is it’s under 2 hours from Seattle so day trips are no problem.
https://redsflyfishing.com/products/sage-foundation-fly-rod-outfit-complete-trout-setup

Want a HALF-LIFE hat? Have 5 or more of your friends sign up for next month’s HALF-LIFE email and we’ll send one your way (domestic U.S. shipping only). Have them list you and email us at halflifet.5@gmail.com.