Russ Beck Publishes an Essay in Fly Culture Magazine

English Department Senior Lecturer Russ Beck recently published an essay, “How to Malign Your Fishing Companions: An Incomplete Guide" in Fly Culture. The magazine publishes high quality writing and photography about fly fishing, not focusing on how-tos or statistics but rather the stories of fly fishing that can unite readers over their shared love of the activity.

 Russ’ essay examines how and why fishing is a unique environment in his life. “The essay attempted to answer the question why I, someone who is very uncomfortable with teasing and making fun of people, have no problem doing all of that while fishing on the river with friends,” he says.

Fly Culture is unique in its focus on the essence of fly fishing instead of containing reviews or record-breaking measurements. “I'm excited to publish with Fly Culture because it is the antithesis to many fishing magazines. It leans away from hero Instagram shots—folks posting pictures with trophy trout held in front of ball-capped anglers,” Russ reflects. “Instead it allows writers to explore why they fish that's divorced from the macho, outdoorsy, dude-driven fluff that is usually emphasized in similarly themed magazines.”