Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/769056
KayaKs in the high Country I always knew I would return to Chama, but this time it was to create a new family tradition. By Carly Hylen S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S • 165 T he rushing water of the Rio Brazos flowed cold and clear around my waders, in marked contrast to the hot, dry bite of the high-country air as I played the beautiful 12-inch brook trout and finally guided her into my net. I knelt in the water with her while the guide shot a quick photo, and once revived, she glided from my chilled hands and back beneath the big boulder from where she had come. Only then did Dad return from switching rods back at the truck and ask with a big, broad grin, "You mean you started without me?" There are times when we encounter a place we know will have special meaning for the rest of our lives. I knew that day the mountains and streams of Chama, New Mexico, would become one those places. Even now, more than a decade since my first visit, the memories of those mountain lakes and streams remain as vivid and crisp as the day they were made—from the single boulder that sheltered my first brook trout to the haunting melody of coyotes at sunset. Although I knew I would return to Chama, I never expected it would be for kayak fishing. Just over a year ago I married my best friend, Philip. For as long as we've known each other, we've shared a love of nature. He introduced me to kayaking, and I introduced him to fly fishing. Then, while we were planning our wedding, I began working with Hobie Cat Company, internationally recognized as one of the world's leading kayak and sailing companies, to promote their kayak fishing tournaments and newest products for aquatic recreation. I soon bought a Hobie kayak of my own: their rugged and versatile Mirage Outback, powered by the company's signature MirageDrive foot pedals. Since its debut the MirageDrive has revolutionized kayaking and kayak fishing, and I have spent many afternoons on the water with Philip, enjoying the hands- free ability to maneuver my Outback while catching largemouth bass and bluegills. But despite my growing experience with the company, I had yet to hear of anyone using their kayaks for fly fishing. They perform flawlessly on lakes and rivers with baitcasters and spinning rods, but fly fishing was an untried application for these superb little vessels. So I talked to my friends at Hobie, and we decided to show through example just how