I was recently inspired by a movie trailer featuring John Gierach from the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) a couple years back, which I missed. I may be a little late to the party, but when this film made its debut isn’t important—it’s the timeless message that I’m more interested in.
At 2:40 of the trailer (below) Gierach declares, “I like this hat because I look so damn good in it.”
I do not declare to look anywhere near as good as Gierach, however I do have a damn fine-looking fishing hat; a hat which, when I’m under it I look much better than when I’m not; a hat so deserving that I’ve written about it before HERE.
Now I want you to shout about your hat…
A CONTEST
Take a photo of yourself wearing your favorite fishing hat. If so inclined, write a brief declaration as to why it’s such a damn fine hat and why it makes you look so damn good when you’re wearing it. Admittedly a description may not be necessary because a picture paints a thousand words, but words ensure that nothing gets left unsaid.
I’ll post the entries on the UA blog for all to enjoy. After a week of being displayed a winner will be chosen to win the prizes below.
From the entries I’ll determine which is either my favorite hat, or a hat so pathetic that you’re obviously in need of a new one. Here are the prizes you’ll be vying for:
A hardcover edition of Gierach’s book, No Shortage of Good Days (signed by the author and cover artist Bob White). Includes an original pencil sketch on the title page by Bob. A $44 value.
A Limited Edition 19″ x 15″ Giclee Print, “Close to Home” by Bob White (signed by Bob and Gierach). This painting is featured on the cover of No Shortage of Good Days and also commemorated their 100th column together in Fly Rod & Reel. Retail price $300.00.
The winner will also receive a DownUnder hat by Simms.
“Simms’ DownUnder Hat pays homage to the southern hemisphere, with deluge-proof 100-percent oiled cotton-canvas construction. It features an elastic sweatband, snug-fitting so it won’t blow skyward, and is detailed with a leather Simms logo.” A $44.95 value.
But wait—there’s more!
Just to make sure we spread the love around, the second place winner runner-up will receive this fine Pabst Blue Ribbon Trucker Hat and a UA sticker. Priceless.
Email your entry to me: unaccomplishedangler (at) gmail (dot) com
Do so by March 13th. Winners will be announced on March 20.
It’s madness, I say—March Madness, here at the Unaccomplished Angler.
Great Contest. I think a true fly fisherman has to have a proper hat. I will be sure to send a pic.
Obviously I agree with you wholeheartedly re: the proper hat, Cory. And I thank you for the comment and your entry…stay tuned.
Ah, Sire Werner .. uh, er – Master UA!
… you have once again sought to stray,
… but ’tis a good stray you stray this day.
Hats off on this foray.
‘Tis a nobel gesture you put in play.
No doubt images imminiate – you shall assay,
… upon you they shall fall ‘n cover your way.
Sort and sort well, my decoy in all things fishay.
As you might suspect I will – my hat – toss into your fray.
For words and pictures are a passion I must say.
But, the prize of value – nay!
Of hidden desire is that ONE to which the Clydes eat hay.
However, should’st I be of suerte,
… in my quest to prosperitay .. yea.. acendansay,
I will gleefully accept any award you so deem to parlay.
Toodles ‘n trites I’m on my way.
Developing my multi-threaded essay.
Au revoir et bonne lecturay! B|
Well, as is so often the case, Les, I have no worthy response to that which you’ve put forth! 🙂
Great stuff Kirk! I would have tipped my hat to you but it fell apart in my hands.
Well, crap, Howard. You may as well throw in the hat.
Great little contest Kirk~ I look forward to seeing the entries. MOST importantly, hats make us feel taller and more suave…
Tight Lines,
Koz
Taller and more suave, indeed.Thanks, Koz…
I don’t need more hats or books, so even though I would have OBVIOUSLY won this contest, count me out. However, I do look SO good in this hat that I have to share. You’re welcome.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8529583652_17110342c5.jpg
Trust me. It’s awesome.
I may just have to submit your entry into the contest, not so that you an win (because you wouldn’t), but because I believe there are many who would enjoy that photo!
I know which hat this is. I might as well not even enter.
Except that Mr. Jones is not entering his hat…he’s just quietly boasting 🙂
Wrong sir! I am loudly and obnoxiously boasting! Anything I do quietly you may consider a full-on, middle-aged mistake! 🙂
That’s an awesome contest Kirk. When I send you a picture of my favorite fishing hat you may just feel sorry for me and let me win. It’s really ugly.
Play the sympathy card, FR. I have a soft spot for ugly hats and stray dogs.
Well, this is a fine contest. I have my eyes especially on the hat in the top photo. Oh, wait a minute. That one is taken by Dr. Jones. I need a down under kind of look… count me in!
Ahem. That hat in the top photo is the one and only Lucky Fishing Hat worn and owned by yours truly, the Unaccomplished One.
I have many hats for many moods!! How to choose just one, they all have meaning to me and history. Lol
Number them all, throw the numbers in a hat. Pick one. Enter that hat…
“Fun’s worth a lot”
Damn straight.
What you said, Steve…
What did I win?
A free bowl of soup?