Animal owners in Woodstock might know Jason Randall as the kind-hearted, skilled veterinarian who cares for their pets at The Animal Hospital of Woodstock, but there is greater depth to his knowledge, and he possesses another specialized set of skills.
This veterinary professional has become immersed in the world of fly fishing.
An enthusiast since he was a boy, Randall credits much of his passion for fishing to his father.
“Some of my earliest and happiest memories involve fishing,” he wrote in his biography.
He was introduced to fly fishing as a young man and began to learn skills from mentors along the way.
“I picked up my first fly rod in the ’80s,” said Randall, who admits to struggling with the technique for many years until a friend persuaded him to hire a guide. In a Rocky Mountain stream he got some much-needed instruction, and a line was cast.
“I fell in love with it,” said Randall, an avid writer, who began to share his experiences by penning articles for various outdoor magazines.
Fish stories
Since 2002, he has written feature articles appearing regularly in American Angler, Fly Fisherman, Eastern Fly Fishing, Northwest Fly Fishing, and many others. He recently joined Fly Tyer as a feature writer.
His first book, ‘Moving Water: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Currents,” was released in 2012 by Stackpole/Headwater books. It studies the effect of current on trout, their prey species, and angling presentation. This was followed by “Feeding Time: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to What, Where and When Trout Eat,” and the third book in the Fly Fisher’s Guide’ trilogy “Trout Sense: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to What Trout See, Hear and Smell.” In April 2017, his fourth book, “Nymph Masters: Fly Fishing Secrets from Expert Anglers,” was released.
In 2017, Randall joined the industry as part of the Tempel Fork Outfitters national advisory team, working to design fly rods. He was instrumental in the design of the TFO Drift Rod and most recently the TFO Stealth Rod.
“It’s fun to be engaged in the industry at that level,” he said. “I promote it and believe in it.”
In his biography he writes, “The blessings we receive are meant to be passed on to others,” so he shares his passion and knowledge through classes he teaches at various clubs.
“… [T]o really get into it, you have to commit to growing,” he said. “I’m still learning.”
During show season – January through April – Randall appears and presents at shows, clubs, and events throughout North America to share his knowledge and passion for fly fishing.
Keeping a balance
After 38 years, Randall has scaled back his involvement in the veterinary practice to part time to accommodate his travel schedule. He admits that the fly fishing industry has become a second career but says, “I’m careful not to let it dominate.”
With his nearly five full months of travel, he admits that his wife, Joann – also a veterinarian and nationally recognized expert in canine reproduction and infertility – sometimes gets a little frustrated. But Randall said they support each other in their respective careers and endeavors, often attending each other’s seminars.
It’s obvious he is passionate about both his careers as he says, “I don’t know that I’ll ever leave one or the other of my true loves.”
Along with the success Randall has found in the fly fishing world, he said, it’s also blossomed into success for Joann. Her photos have gained recognition and been featured in many popular magazines for the sport as well as promotional pieces
Family that fishes together
As outdoor-lovers, it was only natural that Randall shared his passion with his wife and children. Now every member of the family has become proficient in the art of fly fishing, and they incorporate the sport into most family vacations.
“It’s been a great thing for our family,” he said.
In fact, Randall has found that fly fishing has opened doors to adventure for nearly all of his travels, citing the popular saying, “Trout don’t live in ugly places.”
With recent trips including Iceland, Spain and Chili, he has incorporated a fly fishing side trip as part of the itinerary. Contacting a local guide, he arranges for outings that provide much more than a chance to fish.
“It lets you get out of the city and off of the asphalt,” Randall said, adding that it offers the opportunity to make a friend and learn something about the local culture.
Building on the camaraderie and the social aspect of the sport of fly fishing, Randall often arranges trips for friends and other fly fishing enthusiasts to various exotic locations. The choice of locations, however, is not limited to mountain streams for trout, as fly fishing lends itself to many different species and habitats.
Randall has fly fished for musky and pike on Wisconsin lakes and off ocean beaches for salt-water species. Despite the common stereotype that it’s necessary to find a mountain stream to enjoy this style of fishing, Randall said there is spectacular fly fishing as close as three hours away.
To learn more about Randall and fly fishing, visit JRFlyFishing.com.
Credit: Source link
