Through the various fishing trips in Korea, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many fine characters. One of them is Mr. Bae, who has provided me with a wealth of information and history of fly fishing in Korea. He’s a methodical fisherman and also ferocious reader, going through entire book in a night. Throughout the years, he’s resisted the pressures of the golf culture of senior executive in the Korean corporate world, and remains a true fly fisherman – which is something in itself in the Korean corporate culture. On our flight back from Hokkaido, I remember Bae telling me the story about how he got into fly fishing – buying his first 19 weight fly rod in Florida, and something about being inspired in the deserts of the middle east. He’s travelled to far parts of the world seeking fish, and if you get the chance, you must hear about his stories of seeking native trout in the Eurasian countries. He’s been a source for a lot of historical knowledge on native trout & lenok in Korea and Asia. He informs you without being overly technical and without the typical snobbishness you find in people that are as informed. He’s currently serving as the Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in Seoul.
