“Little Summer Storm”
14x18 oil on canvas
Clint Bova 2026
I often get asked why I do not keep a social media page other than Blogger. There is a very direct answer; I don't want to. Fly fishing is about storytelling, and the written word is extremely important to me personally. I do, however, occasionally post paintings of trout water on Instagram, but not very often. The old-school narrative component of fly fishing has faded significantly. It's kind of sad, really. I cringe every time I see YouTube videos or retailers selling stuff, primarily because it really has nothing to do with the creative components of fly fishing. Fly fishing creates a symbiotic relationship between a river and what I am feeling and inevitably painting, catching, or tying. It's inspiring, a wonderful process that just keeps feeding itself.
When you see videos on social media, they're often not about a story or a feeling; they're about selling or self-glorification. Truly creative and informative content, meaning content that takes us closer to ourselves, and the endeavor is different than a person holding yet another fish or the fancy newest reel, or exploiting a vacation destination. It is really not part of my experience at all. I honestly hope that creativity, storytelling, and craft can move to the forefront in fly fishing. The written word is so critical in our society, and it is being smothered by algorithms and data that is used for god knows what. In the end, the story holds a special place in my heart.Thank you for letting me share ~Clint Bova www.cjbovarods.com
