If you've been following along on our little journey for a while, you know our love of fishing is rooted in small creeks, tiny fish, and light gear. I could go on and on about that love, but chances are, you've already heard that tale. In my years of fishing, I've developed a pretty decent set of skills that enable me to put a tiny dry fly just about anywhere I want it, but if I'm honest, that's where the skills begin and end. Nymphing? Not so great. Streamers? HA! I'd probably be better off if you handed me conventional tackle and a bucket of worms.

*Fun fact, I've never actually fished with conventional tackle.*

A few weeks ago, Jacob came home from work and declared that we were going to fish a pond. That's right, not a creek, not even a river, a pond. Specifically, we were going with a group on a quest to catch big, ugly rainbows on glass rods and get lots of 'grip and grins' (this was the point in our conversation where I politely interjected to confirm that a cooler of beer was coming along). Also, the option of tiny dry flies with a three-weight rod was out of the question. And, there would be no small creeks close by so I would not be wandering off.

If Colorado is teaching me anything, it's that I no longer have a comfort zone. From the harsh climate to different types of fishing, I'm slowly breaking out of the little shell I've built, pushing myself more than I have before.

A highlight of the day was getting to see a glass rod that Jacob built out in action. Other than the bamboo rods that he builds for himself, it's pretty rare that we ever get to see what it can do. You see it leave the shop and just hope that it's got fish in it. Turns out, this one does. It's a Red Truck 7'6" four-weight, totally customized for its owner. There are a few images of the rod below.

I didn't get quite as many photos as I set out to, but that's okay because five-weights and white woolly buggers aren't so bad, and big fish can be fun, too. Even if they are just danged ole' silverfish.