“Stream of Thought” presents an avenue for figures in the fly fishing industry to articulate their individual feelings on fly fishing and life in general. These questions were crafted to stimulate reflection, spark curiosity, and provide insight.
For our first installment of “Stream of Thought” we hear from Ross Purnell, Editor & Publisher of Fly Fisherman Magazine. Ross was born in Calgary, Alberta, and graduated from the University of Calgary (bachelor’s degree) and later with a journalism diploma from Mount Royal College. After short stints as a fly-fishing guide, and as both a reporter and editor in the newspaper business, he was hired in 1996 by Fly Fisherman. In 2009 he became the editor of the magazine and in his 18 years on staff has fished in far off places like Patagonia, New Zealand, Kamchatka, Seychelles, Mongolia, Brazil, Bolivia, and all across North America from Alaska to Key West.
Why do you fish? To explore and connect with a different world under the water.
What is your idea of fly fishing bliss? Fly fishing to me is escapism. Any situation that consumes 100% of my focus and attention and drives out all other thoughts is fly fishing bliss.
What is your favorite fish? The one I’m fishing for right now.
What is your is your greatest fly fishing extravagance? Using a brand new fly line, they are the best.
Which living fly fisher do you most admire? Brian O’Keefe.
If you had one last fly fishing trip to take, where would you go? Patagonia River Guides, Trevelin
What is your greatest environmental fear? Climate change.
What is your “pet peeve” when fly fishing? Leaky waders.
If you had one person to spend a day on the water with (living or not) who would it be? Jimmy Carter.
Who is your favorite fly fishing author? Nick Lyons.
What single piece of gear do you never leave home without? Costa Sunrise silver mirror sunglasses.
Where is your next fly fishing trip? Pluma Lodge, Bolivia.
What do you most value in your friends? Dependability.
What words or phrases do you most overuse? Um.
Who are your heroes in real life? Lefty Kreh.
What natural talent would most like to have? Perfect vision.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Having grandchildren who love me.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Easily distracted.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Narcissism.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Right here.
What is your current state of mind? Frustrated and confused.
