Growing up in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, I've been an obsessive trout fisherman since I was knee high to a grasshopper. However, while catching who knows how many thousands of rainbow trout, never had an opportunity to pull in a brook trout. Anyone who has seen a brook trout can attest, that they may be one of the most beautiful fish in the world.
While I could have kept this shot in full color to show off my first brookie, I actually felt compelled to focus more on the emotions I felt at that moment. A long-dreamed bucket list staple was finally in hand. It wasn't some big monster trout, but instead, an illusive one.
It took 35 years, and lasted but a few short seconds before placing it back in the waters from which it came and watching it swim away with a smile glued to my face.
Life is good.