Leigh Smith of the FinFollower blog has been chronicling his “Reel Adventures of Fly Fishing” since 2009. I’ve been friends with Leigh for virtually just as long, as we’ve shared a mutual admiration of fly fishing, trout, and each other’s writing for more than a decade.
The reason why I think I was drawn to Leigh’s blog was that it was very down to earth. No crazy trips, no expensive gear or sponsorships, nobody seeking internet fame. Just a guy trying his hand at catching the resident species of his local waters. All the while juggling his career and family responsibilities. Totally relatable, and extremely enjoyable.
Luckily, I’ve been able to share a meal or two with Leigh over the years. Originally from Jacksonville, Leigh always made a point to reach out before he came down to Florida to visit family. We’d often meet at a Bono’s BBQ and share stories of fishing and current events alongside some pulled pork and baked beans. Oddly, we still haven’t fished together yet though, something I hope to change in the future.
That’s probably enough backstory for the time being, let’s catch up with Leigh Smith…
Leigh, what have you been up to over the last ten or so years?
I’ve been living in Sandy Hook, Connecticut for the past 12 years. During that time both of my daughters graduated high school and entered college, one now graduated. I’ve changed jobs and careers, and now work in Data Privacy, a unique pivot leveraging my Marketing background.
While I really enjoy living in the northeast, I’m starting to look at other areas, mainly in the southeast, for the next chapter of my life.
I still like to fly fish, kayak, hike, and ride motorcycles.
Do you miss the fishing blogging community at all? Have you kept in touch with anyone from that bygone era?
I do, but time has become a more precious commodity, and I’d rather spend time on the water with friends than in front of a keyboard. I like to catch up with you when I head south, and also Walt Franklin of Rivertop Rambles.
Are you still fishy? Do you still find time to fish? If so, how often, where, and for what?
I still love it – that has not changed. I am blessed to live relatively close to The Farmington, Housatonic, Naugatuck, and some local smaller streams.
I try to get out at least once a week, more in the warmer weather. I’m still a trout junkie, but also enjoy smallmouth and largemouth. And nothing beats panfish on a fiberglass rod and poppers on a warm day. I mostly wade, but like to chase the warmwater bass from a kayak. At least once a year I’ll take a trip out west or northern New England.
I found most people wrote their blogs as a personal journaling exercise or a creative outlet. What’s your creative outlet today?
I enjoy the outdoors and have also picked up fly tying. My blogging has largely been displaced by Instagram posts. I am FinFollower on Instagram as well.
I’m interviewing you today. Is there anybody from outdoor blogging’s past you think I should track down and interview next?
I would say Walt Franklin of Rivertop Rambles, who has a very different approach and writing style. Met him a few times. Great guy.
Is there anything you’d like to add that I didn’t ask you?
I have been working with both Casting for Recovery and Project Healing Waters. Both of these organizations are a great way to give back to a sport that given so much to me. I would encourage others to volunteer.
Finally, assuming you’d want to be found, where can some of your old blog friends find you today?
I still have the blog, finfollower.com, as well as my Instagram account.
Many thanks to Leigh Smith for “Catching Up With…” us today.
Post Script: If you’re wondering why I’m interviewing these random people, or just what “Catching Up With…” is all about, visit this page for a brief backstory.