奥本 昌夫 Masao Okumoto
Fish Camp Director and Hokkaido's "Trout Bum" Fly Fishing Expert
Bio
A self-proclaimed leading "trout bum," Okumoto has been fly-fishing since the age of 27, traveling back and forth between overseas and Hokkaido for many years. He contributes to magazines, writes serials, and produces videos to raise money and experience the best of the local fly fishing scene. He has no interest in anything other than camping and fly fishing.
Message
The wisdom I have learned from nature in my native Hokkaido, the knowledge I have gained from long fishing trips overseas, the latest techniques I read in fly fishing magazines, what I learn from a wide range of product manufacturers I have been involved with for a long time, and my interaction with guides and experts from around the world are the foundation of the skills I have honed by fly fishing in a broad and deep way. We listen to our guests' wishes for fly fishing in Hokkaido and try to provide guidance that will be a source of inspiration for them in their fishing lives. Our goal is to provide fishing experiences that are tailored to the skills and needs of our guests, without catering to the ego and convenience of the guides, which is often the case.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
A solo camping and fly fishing trip in the wilds of southwestern Alaska. There was a moment when all five of my senses were sharpened to the utmost limit and I became assimilated into nature and realized that I was a part of nature. It was an experience that made me feel that time spent sleeping in nature and losing oneself with the fish can restore our own dignity.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
A place where people return, or a place to receive healing as a human being.
Q: What has nature taught you?
We humans are merely cogs in the wheel of nature. We must humbly cultivate wisdom and find the meaning of our existence.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
What you get is the nature of Hokkaido and the natural phenomena that trout give us. I hope it will add a little something to the satisfaction of our guests and their fishing life.
Highlights
・ Writings: Trout Fishing in Hokkaido (book), Hokkaido Fishing + Camping (magazine), North Anglers, FlyFisher (many serials) ・ DVDs: Itou Senki, Land of the American Trout, Band of Rainbows ・ Executive Director of Hokkaido Fishing & Adventure ・ Lived abroad for about 4 years in mainland U.S.A., Alaska, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, Chile, and Australia ・ Languages: Japanese, English