When we started planning our trip out to Durango (basically the week after we got back last year) we decided that we wanted to try and fish in places that were completely out of our comfort zone, lakes being at the top of the list.

Because here's the thing, I like my 3/4 wt. Hardy Glass Rod, I enjoy throwing little dry flies, I'm still amazed by the beauty of a four-inch brook trout. But, that being said, old ways won't open new doors, and I definitely don't want to be one of those anglers who doesn't evolve. 

And so, I switched my glass for graphite and my dry flies for streamers and my small streams for a giant lake.

Was I good at it? Not at all.

Did I fail miserably? Absolutely.

But, did I experience something I've never done before? Sure did, and it was pretty great!

Jacob managed one of the fattest rainbows I've ever seen in my life, we laughed, drank beer, made new friends, puttered along in a boat, and enjoyed some of the most amazing scenery the Southwest has to offer.

So, here's to trying new things, being brave enough to fail and admit it, and going to practice chucking some big meat so that next year, I'll be the one to land a fatty rainbow.