“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.
In this installment of “Stream of Thought” we hear from Val Atkinson, Val is an internationally acclaimed and much-published photographer specializing in fly fishing lifestyle and travel worldwide. Val Atkinson specializes in wilderness photography and fly fishing photography, with decades of experience.
“Val Atkinson has fly fished as many places on the planet as anyone – ever. Along the way he has elegantly captured the places, fish, and people encountered with his camera – moments large and small.” –Lefty Kreh
Why do you fish?I was born to fish. Double Pisces.
What is your favorite fish? Trout.
What is your is your greatest fly fishing extravagance? International travel.
Which living fly fisher do you most admire? Nick Zoll.
If you had one last fly fishing trip to take, where would you go?New Zealand or Argentina.
What is your greatest environmental fear?Degradation of nature.
What is your “pet peeve” when fly fishing? People with bad manners.
If you had one person to spend a day on the water with (living or not) who would it be? Ben Hall / New Zealand guide.
Who is your favorite fly fishing author? John Gerach.
What single piece of gear do you never leave home without? My camera.
Where is your next fly fishing trip? Montana.
What do you most value in your friends? Thoughtfulness and good values.
What words or phrases do you most overuse? “Nice fish.”
Who are your heroes in real life? Nelson Mandela.
What natural talent would most like to have? Listening.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Successful photographer.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Constant interruption
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Dead.
What is your current state of mind? Introspective.
