In a recent edition of the flylab newsletter, Kirk Deeter proposed that the smallmouth bass be designated ‘America’s Fish.’ He presents a compelling argument, highlighting the smallmouth bass’s native status, adaptability, resilience, and its appeal as a challenging target for recreational anglers.
Reluctantly, I disagree with the assessment.
While it’s difficult to admit, the rainbow trout should rightfully be considered ‘America’s Fish.’ No other fish species so perfectly embodies the spirit of America’s manifest destiny. As Mr. Deeter points out in his sorting of species, the rainbow trout is a candidate for this national identity. Albeit eliminated; a victim of ecological cancel culture.
“What are the other national fish options? Striped bass? Strong possibility, but it’s a saltwater fish, native to only one coast. Brook trout? Look at the number of states with a brook trout as the state fish, then realize how few wild brook trout there are in those states. Sad, but true. Brown trout? Kind of like Arnold Schwarzenegger: not native and not eligible to be President. Rainbow trout? Career killed by Anders Halverson. Cutthroat trout? Disqualified by name alone.”
– Kirk Deeter
The Anders Halverson reference is to a book titled “An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World.” Read it sometime if you haven’t already.
So I asked myself, what fish best symbolizes the United States? To develop a criteria, I considered other iconic American entities.
- How about fast food? McDonalds in particular, a restaurant chain first opened in San Bernadino, California, figured out how to make hot food fast and in large quantities and now has over 40,000 locations worldwide.
- Pop-Culture? Start with Hollywood, from Avatar to Jurassic Park, Star Wars to The Avengers, The Godfather to Titanic, tinseltown and its domestic offshoots are irrefutably one of the biggest international influencers there is.
- Soft drinks? Namely Coca-Cola, developed in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest beverage brand and is available in over 200 countries and territories.
The list of American-spawned worldwide icons goes on and on…
Even if our admiration for these things fluctuates, they remain integral parts of American culture. These mass-produced products are ubiquitous and have become deeply ingrained in our society, making it impossible to reverse their influence.
Sounds just like the rainbow trout to me. Particularly those of the stocked variety.
America’s fish.
Post Script: While I wrote this with a touch of humor, I want to emphasize that I love the United States, warts and all. I’m also a big fan of a Mickey D’s QPC, ice cold Coke, and Kirk Deeter. Our nation’s history is marked by westward expansion, which had a profound impact on the native landscape. Whether this change was positive or negative is a matter of perspective. However, it cannot be ignored.
Well played sir, well played
Just stirring the pot…
The stocked Rainbow trout is the most widely spread fish in the world. It is the national fish of South Africa, for f-sake! It might as well be the official fish of the world!
As fly fishers here in the US of A, we are sideshow in the circus that is fishing. Like it or not, the Largemouth bass is the targeted king, with long running TV shows and big-bucks tournaments that fill arenas for the weight-in. Suggesting the Smallie maybe a vote from the heart, but as any dedicated bassboy will tell you, bucketmouths are where it’s at, and every farm pond has them.
As a Pennsylvania transplant living in Florida… and one that’s been to a few BASS events on the St. Johns River… it’s hard to argue with the spectacle that is largemouth bass.