I’ve been reading some of the online fly fishing mags and came across Kype Magazine. I enjoyed the articles and online community, but wondered why someone would start such an effort.
I wrote to George Douglas, the founder of Kype, with 4 short questions. His answers, and a link to the Kype site, appear below.
Enjoy!
Leigh, thanks for the opportunity to share this information with you and your readership. First let me explain what Kype means as many anglers are unaware. A kype is a hook that forms on the lower jaw of a male trout, salmon or steelhead, during spawning periods. It’s similar to the rack of a male deer, a sign of strength—thus the title of our magazine, KYPE.
1) What inspired you to develop Kype Magazine and how long has it been in existence?
We started this magazine in the Fall of 2008, so you can image that money was not the inspiration. It was more about my passion for the sport and to articulate that passion through the combination of video and print media.
2) How do you describe Kype in relation to other fly fishing magazines?
I wanted to create a magazine that was different than the other publications out there–I wasn’t looking for your typical articles written by writers who happen to fish, but by fishermen who happen to write. More specifically, guides, writers and other professionals in the industry who are in the trenches and actually fishing for a living.
The style is raw and real–one that trout, salmon and steelheaders can relate to. However, what separates us from the rest of the pack more than anything, is our DVD’s that come with each issue. They are unique, full length fishing movies that capture our journeys around the country in pursuit of the best rivers for these species.
3) Who is the typical Kype subscriber?
The typical subscriber is a hard-core angler who can recognize our new, refreshing approach to the sport. They are not your traditional ten o’clock, two o’clock fly casters, but anglers who are looking to break free into their own styles, if they have yet to do so already.
4) What is one of your favorite fishing stories/memories?
I actually have hundreds of stories that formed over the last twenty years of my career. I suppose the one that stands out the most was my first introduction to salmon and steelhead. I grew up fishing local bass ponds and the trout streams of the Catskill Mountains. I never saw a fish that was over five pounds.
At age 17, my father brought me up to the Great Lakes region for salmon and steelhead, and I completely lost my mind. The memory of that first trip is something I’ll never forget. I felt I had evolved as an angler and experienced something special. It was so special that by age 21 I moved to the region and began to guide, which became the foundation to my fishing career and led me to where I am today–which actually still includes guiding in Steelhead Alley in Ohio.
Thanks again Leigh,
George Douglas
www.Kype.net
troutrageous1 says
Thanks for the intro to Kype. Was pleasantly surprised in paging through some of the back issues available on their website. Mag seems to have meaty articles without endless advertising filler.
Not 100% sure, but I think they might have had a booth showing one of their videos at an outdoorsman’s show I attended last winter outside of Philly? Was in a rush that day so didn’t get to hang out for too long. Hope things go well for them.