In the outdoor industry, the secret to men's success is that they're not afraid of failure. They don't need to be afraid of failure because they have claimed their permanent belonging for themselves in the wilderness. We need to do the same, and so I wrote this book for you.

For someone who is just getting started or wants to get started in fly fishing, there can be a lot of barriers to entry. Basic vocabulary and knowledge shouldn't be one of those barriers. This book is by no means comprehensive. It is a basic guide to get you started on the water and in the community. In the end, we all come to the river for our own reasons. Speaking for myself, I am here for peace, connection, and adventure. I am here for me. I wrote this book for the women who see other women out on the water and are equally in awe, intimidated, and think that's-cool-but-that-could-never-be-me. It can be, and it should be. You have a place out here. If you're like me, sometimes you need a little push out the door. Consider these stories, knowledge, and lessons the push that gets you over the threshold. You have a place, a belonging, in the wild and beautiful spaces of the world. Don't be afraid to claim it.