Fly Fishing Friends Friday

Dakota Berdahl

A fly rod is more than just a tool of the trade:  it's a companion that's present for each triumph and defeat in fly fishing.  As a personal best brown trout hits the net or a big fish breaks the line, the fly rod is there.  It's that sort of bond that drives Moonshine Rods to produce some of the finest quality fly rods on the market, and employ top notch  professionals like Dakota Berdahl of Colorado. ​​

"Fly fishing is my release and my drug.  It's relaxing and exhilarating all in one." 

Social media has changed the world and the fly fishing industry isn't immune to that.  That change is commonly viewed as a negative, but certainly not in the case of Dakota.  Her fishing trips and adventures were noticed by many on Instagram and as she built up a following opportunity came knocking.  When Moonshine reached out to her to do a photo shoot, little did either know that they would hit it off in such a way that a job offer would manifest itself.  What began as a neat way to get some cool photos turned into a job in fly fishing.  It was an opportunity for a desired career and a lifelong passion to merge into one.

"Fly fishing allows me to get out and be one with the nature around me and focus in on one thing: catching fish."

Dakota is far from alone in her journey.  As is so often the case in fly fishing, a hobby turned into a passion that then became a borderline addiction.  The need and desire to be out on the water enjoying nature grew into an insatiable force that drives her to frequent trout waters throughout the West, and specifically some of her favorites in Wyoming.  
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Moonshine Rods gave Dakota the chance to pursue the dream of a job in fly fishing, and it's only fed the fire for her love of the sport. "Everything else in my mind disappears and my stress melts away," she said.  "Every time I get out it's the best feeling ever, and just when I think I've had my fix I miss it even more!" 

To follow along with Dakota's journey in fly fishing and with Moonshine Rods give her Instagram a follow @muddyputty. 

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