I like to tell myself that it really doesn’t matter if I catch a fish or not, but it really does. Here on the East coast of the US, I am lucky to fish where I do and be able to never come up empty handed when I go out and wander the woods. There are native, wild fish in all the streams I fish for trout. I am always reminded of their presence when I don’t end up with a zero in the net for the day. I greet these fish with wet hands as I would any trout and love to be in the streams with them watching their behavior and habits.
That is a big reason why I joined the Native Fish Coalition (NFC) as a South Carolina board member. Their habitats are important to me and my tenkara experiences. Actually, Bob Mallard, Executive Director of the Native Fish Coalition, has written a few articles for Tenkara Angler in advocacy for tenkara and native fish. He is a staunch advocate for all native fish, not just game fish that we eat and give trophies to for catching the biggest in length or weight.
Here in the Southern part of the US, I am relatively far from any mountain streams. I fish for warm water species and have found a good amount of native and endemic species that really bring me joy. I am reminded that many people are without trout streams near them and their tenkara experiences still bring them native and wild fish. I love that tenkara can bring these types of experiences to anyone and anywhere they live.
As I was re-reading an article Bob Mallard wrote for the 2022 Tenkara Angler Winter print edition, a quote stuck out to me. “Tenkara is the most small stream centric form of fishing. Therefore, it is fair to assume that tenkara is the most native centric form of fishing.”
This quote struck me as I am most in my element when I am fishing a small stream. I have a passion for small tactics on small streams for small fish. When I get home after a tenkara adventure, I decompress and reflect. I love these streams, I love these fish and their homes, and I am glad I found an organization that is fighting to protect, preserve, and restore these native fish habitats.
Right now, NFC has presence in 18 states. Most of them being in the New England area and the East coast of the United States. There will be more expansion to other states in the future, but there is always room for growth and boots on the ground to help with established state chapters and awareness of native fish with the organization.
NFC can be seen tabling at local conservation and fishing events. In fact, the New Hampshire chapter of NFC will be tabling at the upcoming White Mountain Tenkara Campout event in June. I will be there along with other NFC members. We would love to see you there!
If you have any questions about Native Fish Coalition, then please reach out to me (Amanda Hoffner) or click on the “FAQ” on the www.nativefishcoalition.com webpage.
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Small streams, my fav. When I come back to Wisconsin from most trips, I head to the Driftless to settle back into my home.