About

A family affair.

An appreciation for the natural world runs deep in my family. My maternal grandfather grew up on the water, and surf fishing became his therapy after returning home from WWII. My maternal uncle is a dyed-in-the-wool woodsman; from fur trapping to ice climbing to upland bird hunting, he has done it all at one time or another. My father is a lifelong naturalist, and canoe trips and bird walks walks were regular fixtures of my childhood. All that to say, a passion for the outdoors was instilled in me at an early age. Of all the pursuits I was exposed to, fishing was the one that took hold—and hasn't let go since.

Southern New England has been the perfect home for fueling this passion. Growing up along Long Island Sound offered the best of both worlds, with saltwater fishing, clamming, and crabbing in my backyard and plenty of freshwater options nearby. I've always been drawn to the diversity of fishing opportunities throughout the region. Regardless of the season, there is always a new technique to explore, a different species to target, or another reason to get out on the water.

 

Start them young.

Documenting trips to look back on and share with friends and family has always been important to me. That's what inspired me to create The Connecticut Yankee in 2009—a place to preserve the many outdoor experiences and memories made along the way.

While the frequency of posts may ebb and flow, the blog remains a place to revisit old adventures and add new ones whenever time permits. No matter how many years pass, these stories have a way of acting like a time machine, transporting me right back to that river I was wading or frozen lake I was standing on. Talented friends of mine also contribute from time to time, and having their unique writing styles and perspectives woven in makes this space all the more enjoyable.

 

The tradition continues.

As time has passed, family obligations have grown, and priorities have naturally shifted. Trips dedicated solely to fishing—and writing about them—have taken a backseat for a while. I still get out on the water whenever I can, and if anything, I appreciate those days more than ever. My main focus is being the best dad I can and enjoying the ride along the way.

One of the greatest joys of fatherhood has been sharing with my two girls the same things that my father, grandfather, and uncle introduced to me. It's a special feeling to keep those traditions alive, pass along what I've learned, and hopefully inspire the next generation to find the same enjoyment in the outdoors.

Thank you for stopping by, taking a look around, and being part of the journey.

My grandfather had salt in his veins.

I have my uncle to thank for passions like fishing and artifact hunting. 

My father taught me to appreciate nature and is the reason I carry binoculars wherever I go.

My father also gave me an appreciation for history. Here we are honoring our ancestor on a Civil War battlefield in Virginia.