By Stacy Chiasson

For months Kevin and I had been trying to put together a Maine muskie film project.  We had a vision for something big but were having troubles pulling everything and everyone together. That is until a chance fly fishing trip and a lone returned phone call. Just like that, we were in business.

Our goal was to put 3 fly fishers on the water in an attempt to prove that you don’t have to go out west to catch muskie. They are right here in Maine and the fish of 10,000 casts just might succumb to the fly in fewer casts than it’s fierce reputation wants you to believe is possible. 

The crew for this feat: Our friend Scott, Del from Muskie Connection, Andrew and Nelson our fabulous film crew from Higher Elevations , Kevin McKay of www.mainefishingadventures.com and myself.

To be honest with you I had no idea why Kevin wanted me as one of the fly fishers for this project. I’m inexperienced when it comes to throwing big flies on sinking line with a big rod. I wasn’t sure I could handle it.  I questioned him many times and each and every time he responded with the same unwavering response “ Stac, I know you can do it. I wouldn’t have you going if I didn’t think you could handle it.” He may have thought that but I certainly questioned it. Kevin has always had the ability to see my potential more so than I could. I wanted to back out of the entire thing but it was something I’ve said to my girls many times that kept me on track for this adventure, “Step outside your comfort zone, it’s the only way it will get bigger.” And there I stood, one foot in my comfort zone and one foot out.

Maine in the fall is absolutely amazing to see. The hills turn from a carpet of green to a patchwork of yellow, orange and red.  There’s a constant rustling of fallen leaves as the fall air blows cooler and the weather becomes more unpredictable. They were forecasting for everything from high winds and low temps to rain and snow. I’m pretty sure there is NOT enough wine to make any of that sound tempting or fun.  BUT I braved it all anyway!

The five of us made the three hour drive north, nearly to Canada, where we met up with Del. He knew we were serious right off the bat when he asked what our plan was if it was too windy. We simply chuckled and replied, “Fish.” There was no other option for us. We had spent so much time planning and prepping for this trip. We spent hours tying flies, rigging rods and coordinating the trip. We were determined and committed to making this happen.  At the time it seemed like a silly question but I would soon find out why he asked. 

For the next 3 days we experienced everything from freezing rain, high winds, brutally cold temps and snow but, we fished.  I cast and cast and cast some more.  My guides were freezing up, my line felt like ice sliding through my fingers and I was questioning what we were all thinking.  I spent the entire first day without a hit or follow. My arm was sore, my fingers were numb, I was wet and freezing. My head was spinning trying to figure out this damn fish. Yet throwing in the towel wasn’t an option. The idea of leaving without at least a hit was driving me to push through and fish. My nerves at some point had calmed and I realized I was focused less on the film crew and cameras and more on the fish. Less on the casting, big flies and heavy lines and more on the fish.  I wanted a Muskie and became determined to get one.  I wasn’t going to let the weather effect me. If I went home without a fish it would be because I fished my ass off and didn’t get one not because I gave up trying due to weather. I set out the second day with a renewed focus.  I cast and stripped in line, time and time again.  Each cast and retrieval was finished the same way, with the infamous figure 8… No fish. It became hypnotic, almost robotic.  I wondered how this could be possible and then, there was a bump. And quicker than I could react, it was gone. That happened a few more times before we were done for the day. Day 2 ended much the same as the first but the biggest difference was I had some hits. By day 3 I was exhausted but still hopeful. It was our last day and I knew I could do this.  Cast, strip, figure 8 and cast….bump and tug and NOTHING!  For hours this continued. The fly that was already heavy seemed to be a brick at the end of my line. The rod that, for a while, felt light suddenly felt heavy.  Day 3 came to an end without a fish. 

The trip we had spent so much time planning and preparing for was over and I never got a muskie. I left there discouraged and disappointed. I want that fish. I believed I would get one. I wasn’t sure I wanted to fish for them again. I wasn’t sure the entire trip was even worth it.  I was a little angry. How could anyone fish that hard for 3 solid days and not have a fish to show for it?  It was a huge letdown for me.  It frustrated me to work so incredibly hard without a payoff in the end.

It wasn’t until I talked to my daughter that I realized what this trip was for me, what I learned and what it gave me. She is only 15 but certainly very wise. She made me realize that the entire time my fear of not being able to throw huge flies on sinking line with a big rod was all for nothing. I fished! I threw the 8” flies out there with a 10 weight,  over and over again. In the wind and rain, snow and freezing cold. I fished with the big dogs and even tried a double haul for the first time. I did it! I may not have come home with a muskie crossed off my list but that’s ok. I still accomplished something huge. She told me I could use this experience to make me hungry for more, for next time. Because next time I won’t have to worry about whether or not I can fish the big stuff. I already knew I could! Next time I focus on the fish! She also told me I should be proud because there were people out there that tried what we did and couldn’t handle it. “I’m proud of you Mom!”  One of the best things you can hope to hear from your children. As parents we are proud of our child’s accomplishments, it’s almost a given because we are the parents. How often do you get that in return from you children?! THIS is the BEST! 

A special THANK YOU to my favorite BABY A for showing me the real lesson here. Just because things  didn’t go as planned doesn’t mean you have failed. Never give up. Instead, use it as motivation to work harder and try again. Regroup and kick ass. The thing that made me question why I was a part of this adventure to begin with was the very thing that was validated for me. I proved to myself I can fish. 

So for now muskie, you are in my rear view but not for long. I’ll be back and next time I know I can do it.  My experiences in northern Maine were a blessing and I’m excited to try again for the elusive fish of 10,000 casts. 
Stacy