Vice President:
Jeff Chapman
jchapman1540@yahoo.com
Growing up on the lakes of Minnesota largemouth bass, bluegills and northern pike were what got my juices flowing when it came to fishing. Throwing bait out and waiting for the fish to come by was what it was all about. Sitting for hours on the dock waiting for the "big one" was the best way to spend a summer day…until.. I was introduced to salmon fishing along the Oregon coast! Sliding an 18 foot double ended dory over the surf at Cape Kiwanda was the most exiting fishing I had ever done.
Until…. I was introduced to fly fishing at the tender age of 17 in the Big Bear Mountains in California. Deep Creek and Bear Creek were where I cut my teeth. To this day I remember the first trout I caught: 6 ½ inch rainbow on a Royal Wulff. I had an old Eagle Claw Fly rod and a Martin Reel. I couldn't wait to get that trout in the frying pan. But Sam, the old guy who patiently showed me the ins and outs of the river had different ideas. He talked about preserving what was given to us so we can enjoy it for years to come. He talked about allowing future generations, maybe even my kids, having the same opportunity as I had just experienced. Mind you, this was 1969!
Since then I have caught fish on a fly in every state in the U.S. except Hawaii, every province in Canada, 5 countries in Central America, 9 countries in South America and 9 countries in the Caribbean. I have landed over 150 different species on a fly ranging from a bluegill to a black marlin. My first thought with every fish I catch is getting it back to its home as soon as possible.
I joined Trout Unlimited for one reason: to have a vehicle to give back what has been given me for the past 41 years. Today my grand daughter is able to enjoy clean clear rivers; pristine mountain streams and beautiful trout. The first trout she ever saw was a 12" brook trout in full spawning colors. At 3 ½ years old her first words, after she had said how pretty it was, was "gampa.. lets put it back so other people can see it too".
Jeff Chapman
0075 Deer Trail Avenue
Carbondale, CO 81623
(612) 386-6661
Thank you TU!!!!!!!
