Kelly Ann Bala is a writer who is fishing with a vision. For inspiration she travels the world and pulls from nature. She is at one when she is in the water fishing. Read here story here:

Following behind Dad, I cradle the rod in one hand; the other pushes the branches and dead twigs out of the way. The river opens before us. I cannot wait to get in the water and feel its power whirl around my legs and seal the waders to them, like they have done countless times.

Now in the water, I grasp the line. Flop, pull, D-loop, shoot. Flop, pull, D-loop, shoot. Flop, pull, D-loop, shoot. With each spey cast, the line carries the fly out for the search. My muscles tense in the 40-degree water, but here is where I feel most natural. Hours fade without my knowledge, as my thoughts dwell upon strategy in reaching my target. Flop, pull, D-loop, 

shoot. Flop, pull, D-loop, shoot. Flop, pull, D-loop, shoot. Flop, pull, D-loop, shoot. Teeth chattering, nose running, and only fingertips showing. A small tap. Slowly I lift the rod. He feels the tug of the fly and is off. A high squeal is sent from the line, as the steelhead shoots through the water. There is no greater feeling. 

I release the fish back into the water; thanking him for allowing me to experience his beauty. I climb out of the river high from the thrill. After spending a day in freezing water, I realize I am pre-hypothermic. Even two hours later sitting in front of the fire, I am shaking. This love, passion, and dedication drift into all areas of my life. As the 40-degree water may deter some from their goal, no distraction alters my focus. I attack creative problems not unlike my pursuit of catching a steelhead; I am ruthlessly driven. 

ANGLER Established

Age 2

Favorite River

Eel River, California

Rod of choice

Spey Rod, for Wild Steelhead

“ I attack creative problems not unlike my pursuit of catching a steelhead; I am ruthlessly driven.”