I was introduced to fly fishing as an early teenager, when my dad would force me to go out on his friend’s boat on the Lower Sacramento. At the time, I resisted it—I only wanted to play sports and video games. Over the years, though, my love for fly fishing has grown from the solitude it offers and the chance to escape. It has taken me to some incredible places, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Since discovering my love for fly fishing, I’ve also found a second passion in fly tying. It has become my creative outlet, and I can spend hours at my vise trying to craft the next best thing.
Q&A with Joel Crandall:
How you did you get started in fly fishing?
My dad, like a lot of people.
What does Fly Fishing do for you that keeps you coming back for more?
I love the feeling of setting the hook and holding the fish after a good hard fight, but most of all I love getting outside and exploring. It gives me an opportunity to get away from everyone and it’s a great way for me to clear my head.
Favorite Fish to pursue?
Trout and steelhead
What fly fishing destination is on your Bucket List?
BC for steelhead or Christmas Island for bonefish and maybe a GT.
Favorite Fly Rod and Why?
My Winston Air 2 9′ 5wt. Such a beautifully made rod and so effortless to cast. They have the best customer service, great people, and are made in the states. The perfect rod for the McCloud and Upper Sac.
Favorite Reel and Why?
Any Galvan reel. I’ve put my Galvan reels through hell and they perform just as well as when I first got them. Their carbon fiber disc drag system requires little to no maintenance and is as smooth as any reel. Super clean design and balances very well. They have the best warranty, made only a few hours south of us, and are run by a great family.
Favorite Fly and Why?
Pat’s Rubberlegs, simple. You can use them on any river within a 75 mile radius and catch fish on it. There is an abundance of stoneflies in our area and this is the fly I’ve had the best luck with. I always keep one on my line.
What is your greatest fly fishing extravagance?
As a young angler and just starting to work in fly fishing, my biggest extravagance so far are my Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders.
Which living or non-living fly fisher would you want to spend a day Fly Fishing with?
I would love to spend a day with Kelly Galloup. I have been following him for sometime now and I would love to spend a day and pick his brain on fish behavior and streamers. He is partly the reason why I have gotten big into tying streamers.
Who are your favorite writers?
JR. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, and C.S. Lewis
What single issue in fly fishing do you feel has the greatest adverse potential?
Popularity
What is your most memorable fly fishing trip you’ve taken?
Probably one of the first times I went on the Lower Sac with my dad when I was 13.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My dad
What is your Fly Fishing Pet Peeve?
Getting low holed and sloppy knots.
What do you most value in your friends?
Connection and loyalty.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
An orca