Keep Fish Wet: Why do you believe Keep Fish Wet is important?
Heather Hodson: As social media becomes more popular and the way that people mimic, get their education and connect I feel that showing it's "Cool" to properly handle your fish. I love having the research and science to now back up certain hypothesis's. I think that people need hard facts to believe in something. Also, in order to keep this sport alive we have to all do our part to make it the best it can be. By educating ourselves and others, we can give back and do this.
KFW: How do you personally use KFW principles and tips?
HH: Every time I handle a fish I think about the principles and tips and do my absolute best to do them all.
KFW: If there was one thing about science-based best practices for fish handling that you wish all anglers would remember or do, what would it be?
HH: If they want the classic grip and grin photo to only keep them out of the water for <10 seconds. I just watched a video of a guide doing an event promotion, catching a fish, and she had the fish out of the water filming and talking for 24 seconds. I think continuing to spread the word that the 10 seconds out of the water is accumulative is very important.
Heather Hodson @northwestflygril is founder of United Women on the Fly. Heather is an expert at making anglers (especially women) feel comfortable and becoming a part of the fly fishing community. Sometimes referred to as the “Middle Woman,” Heather volunteers her energy and time to connect women, help start women programs or enable anglers to become more confident on the water. Heather has dedicated her time to educate and inspire others. She is currently studying for her Casting Instructor Certification with Fly Fishers International and has been teaching Fly Fishing since 2014. She’s also no stranger to being behind the camera. Heather started taking photos as a rodeo photographer with her 35mm. With over some 100 days on the water this year, it’s always a tossup between catching fish or being creative behind the camera. Her passion for conservation, getting anyone involved in fly fishing and enthusiasm to think outside the box is infectious.
