Today is Earth Day.
Fly fishing is probably one of the most palpable ways to get in touch with Earth. Standing in the water, boots in the gravel, feeling the current and tousling with a trout makes anglers feel alive, intense, pretty emotional... grateful.
We, like most people, are feeling more grateful than ever about the important things in live.
The Fish Tales team cares deeply for fisheries resources - they're our livelihood, our recreation, our passion, our common bond. We also recognize that these resources are vulnerable. Therefore, we have always done what we can to contribute to the sustainability of the water, fish, fish habitat, and community.
This year we continue to pursue ways to make positive impacts by:
- Participating in the fly fishing community, including non-government agencies that influence fish and fishing on the Bow River, its tributaries, and beyond.
- Communicating with provincial regulators.
- Supporting and educating customers with respect to fish handling, responsible fish photography (keep em in the water), etc.
- Selling brands like Patagonia, RepYourWater, Fishpond, and others - that give back to the environment.
- Supporting community organizations and partners that work to improve fish, fish habitat, sustainability, etc. (Trout Unlimited, Bow River Trout Foundation, Alberta Angling Outfitter and Guide Association)
- Hosting the annual Calgary showing of F3T which allows us to donate additional money to groups like the Oldman Watershed Council and Bow River Trout Foundation.
- Transitioning to compostable fly cups and compostable bags for customer purchases.
We invite customers to do their part by:
- recycling the fly cups - use them for sorting beads, holding flies, or return them to the shop (post pandemic) and we will re-use them.
- joining a local club or conservation group to learn more about fly fishing, meet others who are passionate about the resource, or to give back through volunteer hours.
- treading lightly - pack out what you pack in, clean gear between watersheds.
We are looking forward to a time when we can open the doors and invite you back in to the shop. Our guides are looking forward to when they can get back on the oars.
And we know everyone is anxious to get out on the water. Please remember to maintain social distancing if you do head out. Otherwise, rest assured the fish will still be there when we get out on the other side.
Happy 50th Earth Day!