Devin Olsen

Devin Olsen is a former fisheries biologist and professional fly fishing angler. In his book, Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned From Competition for All Anglers, describes fly fishing techniques and tactics that he has learned through competing for Fly Fishing Team USA. 

Devin caught his first fish at the age of 9, and he has never looked back. He doesn’t claim to be some sort of fly fishing philosopher, but he enjoys fly fishing because it is a puzzle that he enjoys trying to solve. Devin has worked extremely hard to become the best angler he could be, and his achievements in the competitive realm provided credibility that helped encourage anglers to read his writing. The book includes photos of some of Devin’s favorite flies, fishing techniques and more.

Why did you begin writing? What inspired you to begin? / How long have you been writing or when did you start?

I did a fair amount of technical science writing during my graduate studies as a fisheries biologist. During that time, and again when I launched my business, I had a blog about competitive styles of fly fishing that gained a following. Based on my writing there, Jay Nichols of Stackpole Books asked me if I would like to write a fly fishing book. That’s how my first book came about.

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How many books have you written and which one is your favorite?

I currently have one book in print titled Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers. I suppose that makes it my favorite. However, I am about to finish a second book on stillwater fly fishing which will hopefully be published next year.

Have all of your books been about fishing?

Yes

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Why did you choose to write in the outdoor / fishing genre specifically?

Fly fishing has shaped my life since before I was 10 years old. It’s what I do, and what I know.

What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish writing?

In the current publishing environment, there is very little support for fly fishing writers. If you are going to take a book on, it is all on you to market the book in addition to the writing process.

Is your being an author a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?

I own and operate a fly shop, Tactical Fly Fisher  (www.tacticalflyfisher.com) that is dedicated to providing gear and techniques inspired by the world of competitive angling to the everyday angler.

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How do you manage a work-life balance as an author?

In my experience, I don’t think there is such a thing. When I was finishing my first book, I pretty much gave away three months at the end to finish the book after a crazy year with a lot of personal changes beforehand. I swore I wouldn’t do that again with the second book. As a result, I’ve tried to stick to a regular regimen of getting 400 words down each day 4-5 days a week over the writing period for my current book. With the pandemic, and a lot of changes and growth in my business over the last couple of years, I wasn’t able to stick to that regimen as well as I would have liked. As a result, my manuscript is a little late but that’s life sometimes.

What is your writing process like?

I’ve formed the backbone of both books by writing an outline. Then, I focus on whatever part of the book seems most interesting for me to write at the given moment so I can try and stay productive. I do my best to finish the chapter before moving on but if a particular fishing experience sparks a topic, then I hurry to get that topic down on digital paper while it’s still fresh in my mind.

What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?

I’ve thought about this question a lot. I’m no philosopher, so deep explanations seem a bit hollow coming from me. The truth is, fly fishing is a puzzle that I enjoy solving. It is made even more intriguing because it involves a living creature that has its own thoughts that we can only guess at as humans. It is addicting to try and get as good as I can at solving that puzzle and it doesn’t hurt that the puzzle solving happens in places I love being. 

Competitive fly fishing has given me a measuring stick to help evaluate how good I have gotten at solving that puzzle consistently compared to other anglers. It helps me see progress and where I need work. Based on that feedback, I am able to keep progressing  which is an extra motivation to keep heading to the water

Have you ever gotten “writer’s block”? If so, how did you cure it? / What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?

There have definitely been times when I haven’t been motivated to write, or when a certain topic has been hard to get onto the page. During those times, I have to practice self discipline and finish my daily word count, or get to the end of the section I had in mind for that day. Eventually I’m able to get to a section that flows more easily again.

Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?

It is hard to pinpoint one person over the years. The anglers who have influenced me the most have been my Fly Fishing Team USA teammates, especially those who I have fished in the world championships with. 
Specific anglers who have been extra influential for me are Lance Egan, Josh Graffam, Pat Weiss, Norm Maktima. I have also learned a lot from fishing with and talking to anglers from other national teams such as Julien Daguillanes and Pablo Castro Pinos.

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When did you begin fly fishing?

I caught my first trout on a fly rod back at age nine.

Do you remember your first published piece? How long did it take you to get there?

My book Tactical Fly Fishing was my first published piece. I suppose if you trace my writing back to my first blogs it took me 7 years.

With so many publications moving virtual, how does this play a role in your publishing process?

I don’t write much for other outlets beyond my books and my blog so the digital transition hasn’t affected me much.

What, to you, are the most important elements of good outdoor and fishing writing?

I write in the world of the “how to” genre within fly fishing writing. The best books in this area come from anglers who have gone beyond the theory and actually practiced what they write about on the water extensively while still being able to retain some humility. Illustrating principles with stories that helped the author learn them help to keep the reader engaged. That personal connection becomes very important. It’s rare to find a writer who is as capable an angler as they are at writing and vice versa and can clearly explain the execution of a fishing topic. Whether I fit in that category is up to my readers I suppose.

What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?

Some La Croix or Kombucha keep me going with some fizz but some coffee and a bit of chocolate are nice when the writing gets tough.

Do you listen to anything while you write? If so, what is your favorite?

I have to remain focused to write well. I try to keep things as quiet as possible. Otherwise I go back and read what I’ve written and have to do it all over again. 

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Did you grow up around fishing and writing? Please share any thoughts about your family or upbringing that may have led you to become an author.

To be honest, writing is never something I enjoyed that much. It’s hard work that I only find enjoyment in after I’m done and can look back at the finished product. My parents were both teachers though and I was always motivated to be successful in school as a child so a certain base level of writing ability came along naturally but not by any special effort of mine.

Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing authors?

I came to writing through a different route than a lot of other authors. I worked extremely hard to become the best angler I could be and my achievements in the competitive realm provided some credibility that helped make my writing attractive and useful for anglers. Each author needs to come about it through their own path. Just don’t expect it to be handed to you, and unless you are John Gierach, don’t expect to make your living fully from writing about fly fishing.

Who do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?

If I need to get feedback for a section of a book, I send it to my friends in the competitive fly fishing scene. Beyond that, I let a copy editor read it. Sometimes I agree with their corrections and sometimes I don’t, but the writing gets better either way.

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How do you use social media as an author?

I maintain a social media presence for my business and all of the content that we keep available for our customers. I work my books into that content for marketing purposes.

Where can people find your work? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)

Webpage and blog: www.tacticalflyfisher.com where you can find our store and blog

Instagram: @tactical_flyfisher

YouTube: Tactical Fly Fisher – YouTube

Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?

Nope. I’m going fishing…

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The Fly Fishing Journeys staff members have a culmination of passion and knowledge about the sport. They bring ability and know how, as well as experience on the water and working in the fly fishing industry. Their goal is to raise awareness and help educate anglers of any level about the sport, the industry, and how to best enjoy yourselves on and off the water. The mission at Fly Fishing Journeys is to be your go-to resource for all things fly fishing. The staff does this by connecting the fly fishing community with worldwide media content, sharing experiences, education, and stories.

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