Joseph Evans

Joseph was born in Florida, but raised in Boise, Idaho, and immersed in the outdoors at a young age. When he was just six years old, his dad took him out fishing on the Boise River with a can of worms and a spin rod. Shortly after, they landed a very respectable brown trout, about 20” long, and he was immediately hooked. For the next five or six years, he would continue to beg his dad to take him to stocked ponds or bike to neighborhood bass ponds alone, where he'd eventually get run out of backyards by grumpy old homeowners.

When he was about 12 years old, his dad purchased a fly rod and some flies for them to try their luck with something new. At the same time, his dad was offered a job back down in Florida, leaving him to either drop the sport or pick it up. Next thing you know, he was able to talk his mother into driving him from hole to hole on the Boise River while he bugged fly shop employees and spent hours on Youtube because he found his passion.

Fast forward to today and he's still that loud, outgoing, and energetic kid, now with more years, experience, and knowledge in his industry. Since he was 17, he's chosen to have fly fishing be the entirety of his income. His summers are spent living in a trailer on a farm in Picabo, Idaho guiding fly fishing trips for Picabo Angler on Silver Creek River, Salmon River, Lost River and Big Wood River. Meanwhile, his winters are spent at No Name Lodge in Puerto Rico as a lodge hand and fishing guide for Tarpon and Permit. In his time off, he flyfishes some more, travels, spends time with his girlfriend Annika or his best friend Bradley, plays with his dog Maverick, or hones in on a new skill in media editing.

For him, fly fishing is not only a passion, but a lifestyle. He's grateful that he gets to continue pursuing his dream to travel, fish, and film, while also welcoming the next generation of anglers into the industry. Because as Joseph says, "nobody should miss an opportunity to be out on the water, surrounded by fantastic, outdoor communities, just like Chums". Thanks Joseph, we think you are fantastic too.

Who do you look up to? Any personal or professional heroes?

I look up to many people. To name a few: Christian Reid (fishiest human I know), Nick Price (Best photographer and traveling host), April Vokey (best attitude and uniqueness in building a self-owned business in the fishing industry), Derek Olthuis (Representing fly fishing as more than a sport, but as a lifestyle).

Where's your fav vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot would be swinging for steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, particularly along the Oregon coast, the Olympic Peninsula, or in British Columbia. I'm a big fan of the temperate rainforsts in those parts, and, of course, the fish that are biting there.

If you were to have one superpower what would it be and why?

To fly! So I could see the world. My dream in life is simple: to fish, film, and travel.

Favorite adventure beverage?

A Coors Banquet in the west and a Pina Colada by the ocean.

What are three Chums items on your must-pack gear list?

For a day on the river, I've got to have the Downstream 4L bag, it sits on my hip and keeps my gear easily accessible and dry. The Ripcord retainer is another must-have whenever I'm on the river. Any angler can tell you it's pretty easy to lose your sunglasses in the river when reeling in the big ones. For daily use, I've been loving the Bandit Lo-Pro wallet, it's sleek but functional; holding just the right amount of cards.

BONUS QUESTION: just 'cause we’re curious

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

A hotdog is not a sandwich. Buns make a hot dog, slices of bread make a sandwich.

 

@idaaflyy