THAILAND FLY ADVENTURES

“ I dream’d in a dream I saw a city invincible
To the attacks of the whole of the rest of
The earth, I dream’d that was the city of
New friends....”

Walt Whitman 1819-1892

When my mind flickers in and out of the moment while my feet are warming near the fireplace often smells, sounds, voices from ancient places visited as a boy later as man vibrate.

In China, the Forbidden City completely intoxicating dripping with historical significance both as a closed sacred place and host to many mysteries... Africa’s coast, Tangier’s, Morocco places where food and smells are intertwined like the adventures of your own fly reality. Singapore the Tiger Balm Gardens, sunsets bathed in gold! Cabo San Lucas absolute finest surf, ocean going fly fishing I have ever sampled hands down period. Japan anywhere in Japan, Vietnam Saigon up country or down. Love the whole coast of Vietnam. Deep In North America’s last big forested wild place central Alaska, sublime, unbelievable contact with what this world once was... My short list of mystical, surreal ancient places begins with Yosemite National Park in California and next would be anywhere in Thailand, high or low country, river or stream big city or small village. One need not be an adventurous type, fly fisher to grasp and savor Thai energy a dedicated methodical people who appear to go about their affairs as if they have been practicing for infinity? Most Thailand trips begin in Bangkok, perfect place to begin! Fine hotels, from expensive to quite modest. Restaurants best anywhere I have ever set foot including Paris France, Thai seafood dishes, soups, local sauces are divine! With the US Dollar climbing fast, Thailand is an excellent exotic fly fishing destination for solo or family oriented fly fishers. I want to say again as a very picky San Francisco food lover who knows how to saute baby! Thai food is on par with France easily... TRUE MULTI SPECIES FLY ACTION !

Sad but true thanks to the Thailand governing body less then rigid controls exist in respect to enforcing laws keeping residents honest respecting rivers and water ways? One must travel deep into the interior to discover unmolested rivers with sustainable often transplanted game fish populations.This unfortunate lack of careful management is common throughout Asia. Rivers and streams are often thought of as giant food stores only, with little if any conservation allowances.

Of course one need only consider the ongoing rape of Africa in line with the mid east natural resource lust to understand the priorities in developing countries, China for instance is dead set on destroying as many rivers as possible in the name of more electricity on the cheap....These facts of the international fly fisher learning curve are indisputable! We fly fishers are always standing knee deep in the precious resource soon to be coveted more then gold.... In my travels, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, deep in ancient Asian, water conservation, habitat management are whispered never shouted...

TRANSPLANTS APPEAR TO CO-EXIST?

Species from Africa and beyond transplanted into Thai water ways with so far intriguing results. According to experts working Thai rivers many of the transplanted game fish are thriving and providing outstanding fly action. I have never heard of a fly venue featuring this variety of true fighting fish who prowl like serpents and in a few cases share serpent like physical characteristics. Intriguing fly action chasing Barramundi the much acclaimed Tail Walker! This fish ain’t giving up his aqua visa without going toe to toe cowboy, you looking for a fight big guy?. I have wrestled Asian carp that suddenly explode with love of freedom and rip rods out of hands! According to resident Thai fly fishing expert Capt Max Mackenzie Skues who has guided and written about Thailand fly action www.flyfishthailand.net E-Mail [email protected]. This game fish is the beast to reckon with period! Capt Max must navigate deep into interior waters where multi species appear to be finding a comfort zone within the rich soup that can host unlimited insect populations. In regard to absolute technique and experience in regard to Thailand fly action read any of Capt Max’ Thai Tales at www.rachelhanen.com . This fellow knows Thailand like Mr. Wolf knows Yosemite baby.... Among the many game fish featured Pacu. Amazon Red Tail Catfish are thriving and provide excellent fly action! It is common consensus both the international aquarium trade and indiscriminate introductions of foreign fish are the reason introduced species are so abundant? In my mind this aspect of Thai fly fishing along with a culture well honed by time make this international fly venue completely unique.

THAILAND

I have visited and worked waters near the Cambodian border region near Surin and many reaches of the Mekong River running near Udon Thani. It is the varied species and the ancient fern’s ,vegetation and insects difficult for western man to easily grasp? Example many of the game fish are prehistoric looking and hunt their daily meals as carefully as any fly fisher I can remember.

Fish named Java Barb and the Snakehead that have been witnessed actually walking from river to river! These aqua otherworldly snake/fish beasts must be seen to be believed. They move along the edges inches from the surface slowly with feelers, eyes, sensing waiting to strike... Watching them work water is like watching master fly fishers. These fish rarely experience fly fishers hunting them as they hunt countless insects, frogs, small birds anything living that hits the water is consumed.

A trip to a place as far away as Thailand can be daunting to consider in the best of economic times... If you’re a dedicated fly fisher adventurer you understand the fast benefits of such an exotic fly venue! First a trip like this will change your life in this manner. The Thai weather alone sultry warm winds blowing especially near the coast or up country. The smells you have never encountered anywhere! The quality and abundance of fabulous Thai seafood, soups, sauces.. The Thai people warm, direct, passionate, lots of serious old world happiness to be enjoyed. A different kind of hospitality on tap, the way you smile and move, cadence of your wild ass Yankee speech patterns... In general the degree of humility and humbleness you emit is the key to peaceful Thai interaction. As a life long martial artist, Yoga lover, food lover who constantly searches for peace and balance in fly fishing and in life, Thailand has fed me since my teens. Thai kick boxing kicks ass. Thai life equals survival of the most balanced, love Thailand.

HUNTING HUNTERSM

In my mind if one ventures into Thailand expecting to understand, comprehend this one fact! You we be attempting to fool fish who are every moment of their lives hunting insects, small mammal’s, baby birds, any possible energy source armed with the exact same stealthy, calm, centered instincts you brought with you sportsfan. Watching these natural predators carefully stalk their next meal humbles anyone who carries long rods on airplanes my friends... Respect for these ancient instincts and a well oiled casting arm are essential, no question. If your not a seasoned fly stealth hunter type? This kind of wild jungly drifting and wading can be a little tooo much to chew! One can easily find a willing boatman and guide anywhere near Bangkok. I would get in touch with Capt. Max first his knowledge base, time on the water and meticulous techniques make him the man if your Thailand bound with a long rod.... Dress light and consult you travel agent for advisories if other countries are on your itinerary.




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“ ADVENTURES OF FLETCHER QUILL “