Randy

This specimen (an Atlantic Salmon) was briefly lifted out of the gin-clear waters of the Bonaventure River in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, Ca.  It marked, for me, the close of a very full season of guiding back in Maine.   The moment was memorable, thanks to the company of some great fishing friends, and to those brothers of mine from different mothers, the Bonaventure guides.  I won’t say this is as happy as a man can get, but it’s in the ballpark.

Here are Dakota, Tennyson, and Ann (Jo-Ann Moody-the trainer’s springer), cooling down after a workout in the woods.

http://outthere.bangordailynews.com/2015/08/10/fishing/local-author-wins-national-award/

I was hosted last week by Star Valley Trout Ranch, Idaho, and Teton Springs, Idaho.  My trio played a concert in each venue, then I took a drift boat, fly fishing trip down 13 miles of the renowned South Fork.  The catches and the scenery were spectacular, and so was my guide, Josh Jablow.  If you’re planning a trip to the Snake River, I can recommend him to you.  Here are just a few of the amazing fish, the likes of which you’ll find on the South Fork.  They are rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as the occasional brown.

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5ebfc8472ff071531163077b9&id=e8722a0e5c&e=802d0aaba4

The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) has named “Wide and Deep” by Randy Spencer Best Book of 2015 in the General Audience category.  “Wide and Deep” has received two regional best book awards (New England Outdoor Writers Association-NEOWA, and New England Society of New York City- NES).  This is the first national award.

2015_Book_Awards_Winner_Release

Wide and Deep by Randy Spencer has won the prestigious first prize for best book from the New England Society of New York City.

http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/13/opinion/contributors/how-luck-might-run-out-for-west-grand-lakes-superior-landlocked-salmon/

I’ve returned from a most memorable residency at the Ames Free Library.  All of the events were well attended by enthusiastic participants.  One of my favorites was the fly casting class I gave on Saturday on a pool in the Italian Gardens.  Over a dozen people took turns trying their hand at the fundamentals of fly casting, to the cheers and applause of the rest of the class.  Here is a picture of the Ames Free Library, an architectural jewel on the landscape of eastern Massachusetts.