Kids are born hunters. “Can I go catch a grasshopper?” asks my son at dawn. “Sure” we tell him, and off he goes through the dog-door, clad in cape and undies, to creep around the dewy lawn with his jar. The jar rarely comes home empty. “You have to be quiet.” he tells me, Read More

Lucas Carroll is passionate about family, fishing and photography, in ways that can be matched by few. He was willing to answer a few questions with us and share some of his photos, along with the story behind the image and tips for how he got the shot. The passion that comes through in, Read More

1 fruit pouch, 1 yogurt stick, 1 1/2 litres of water and 1/2 of a peanut butter and jelly. It seemed like more than enough for a couple hours of fishing before lunch. 7.5 hours later my daughter and I finally started heading back to camp. The euphoria of lots of fish, big fish and, Read More

In the three years since I became a father, I’ve had to redefine some terms.  “Sleeping in” does not mean what it used to for example, nor “big night out” for that matter. “Free time”… I seem to recall using that phrase as a younger man, but the concept is fuzzy now.  Most of, Read More

It seemed like I couldn’t turn around without bumping into a Tenkara rod. Plus I’m a sucker for trying something new…or really old as the case may be. So when my wife picked-up a couple of Tenkara rods for a backcountry trip she was guiding into the Wind River range, I had to give, Read More

“Matt!” called Steven in his best stage whisper. Grizz I wondered? No, he probably just needs the net. “Matt!” came his voice again, more urgent this time, but still softened to accomodate the sleeping toddler. He’d wake her for a bear I figured, and besides, he’s got the bear spray. “Busy here.” I whisper-yelled back with, Read More

We nearly passed it by. Fast water, little structure, it just didn’t quite seem worth it. But time was on our side and Matt decided to wade into position for a quick cast. Before I knew what happened he was tied fast into a good fish…and losing ground. I tossed the Echo Gecko aside., Read More

Two feet tall, pigtailed, and wearing a furrow of concentration, Ayden is here not just as a hall pass for her father. She’s here for the action.

A sad truth lies hidden between the columns of the typical USOB ledger*… The system is rigged, and – as a responsible, gainfully employed, parent and spouse with obligations and expectations – not in your favor. Thrift and a disciplined deposit schedule are, as we’ve discussed, fundamental aspects of any successful USOB wealth building, Read More

The house is spotless. We’ve hardly been home. The pickup is a disaster, so is the boat bag. Clothes shoved into the corners, smelling of bug spray. Plastic bags, food wrappers, and empty soda bottles litter the floor mats. The girls went back East to visit family and my son and I are flying, Read More