I’m an unapologetic supporter of the eZine format. Hard copy is good, but eventually they are dog-eared, foodstained, crumpled, and left in the bathroom – where some non-fisherperson seizes them for a quick journey to the trash can.

I like them because the online marketplace features content and authors that don’t fit the traditional mold. With minimal startup costs editors of fly fishing eZines are less afraid to risk uncommon topics and engage unknown authors – giving us rabid angling types a chance to do something other than flip the pages.

“Fishing the [Insert Famous River Here] River” or “ Indicators for Monstrous [Insert Trophy Salmonid Name Here] have had a couple of decades – and I don’t mind seeing what the new guy is using or the water he calls home.

I’ll credit the younger crowd for the new attitude, the quickness to adopt the new medium and much of the “in your face” bravado. Occasionally it may rub us the wrong way but us older crowd need a good shaking to keep us invigorated

This is Fly and Catch come to mind – and while you may not care for every article, author, or posture – they’re bringing technology and a new viewpoint to some of our hoary old traditions – and that’s refreshing change.

Our mainstream media has inbred to the point of predictability – and with many newspapers and magazines struggling in the current economic climate, we’re quite close to realizing a largely paperless subscription model.

Today marks the debut issue of “Fish Can’t Read” the latest fly fishing eZine. and I’ll donate a lunch hour and sandwich to peruse the virgin issue despite it being not work related…

… and when the Web Gendarmes call me on the phone to rattle their manacles in my ear, I’ll respond in characteristic flavor, “… glad you boys pointed that out – stop by the cafeteria on your way up as I could use more Mustard.”

Let’s give the New Kid a warm welcome … because something about him is so very familiar …

Tags: Fishcantread.com, Fish Cant Read magazine, This is Fly, Catch, ezine, online fly fishing magazine