James Card

Life as Korea's Only Fly Fishing Guide

Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:30:23 -0500

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:28:41 -0500

Largemouth bass and bluegills are considered environmental threats in Korea.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:27:13 -0500

The notchmouth (above) and barbel (below) are two overlooked opponents in the mountain streams.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:25:46 -0500

Client Mike Allen attempts to fool a riser in a crystal-clear pool.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:23:08 -0500

Tiger keelback snakes are just one safety concern for anglers on Korean trout streams.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:18:30 -0500

The rainbow chub offers dry fly action that rivals any trout.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:17:14 -0500

Client Steve Hemkens releases one of many cherry trout caught on a stream in the Jiri Mountains.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:15:46 -0500

The ultra-clear water in Korea's trout streams makes hooking up on a dry fly a difficult task.

But for now, the fishing remains pretty stable, and there is nothing worse than putting a client on rising, hungry trout all day long and he misses strike, after strike, after strike. It drives a guy to insanity, rage and frustration when he should be relaxed and having fun.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:14:22 -0500

Bamboo harvesting is also cause for concern regarding the health of mountain streams.

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Joe_Cermele — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:11:27 -0500

Like many U.S. rivers, Korea's trout streams may be devastated by construction.