For years, the idea of getting inked danced in my mind, yet a concrete design remained elusive. The turning point arrived in the autumn of 2009 when I finally landed my first brown trout of trophy size. This fish wasn’t just a catch; it was an experience, an indelible moment that sparked the vision for my Trout Tattoo.
The Trophy Catch That Inspired Ink
My quest for brown trout led me to the Parklands of Manitoba for a week, culminating at Patterson Lake, a renowned stillwater destination known for its impressive fish. Navigating unfamiliar waters, I was fortunate to receive guidance from a fellow angler who pointed me towards a promising spot called Brownie Flats. Eager to test my luck, I paddled across the lake to this fabled location. Shortly after arriving, I observed a substantial fish patrolling the shoreline, its rises betraying its feeding on adult sedges skimming the water’s surface. Anticipating its movement, I cast a hopper pattern, placing the fly strategically ahead of its last rise. In what seemed like slow motion, the trout ascended, twice nipped at the surface, and then decisively engulfed my fly. After a deliberate pause, I set the hook, and the real excitement began, sending my adrenaline soaring.
Instantly, I knew this was a significant fish, its pronounced kype visible even as it took the fly. Armed with only a 5-weight rod and 4lb tippet, I felt undergunned. Careful maneuvering was paramount. I steered the fish away from the treacherous reedy shoreline, which threatened immediate snagging. An early netting attempt proved premature, as the trout surged into open water. Once in the deeper expanse, it stubbornly held to the bottom, resisting any upward movement. I resorted to a corkscrew technique, gradually coaxing it towards the surface. After a nerve-wracking 15-minute battle, I finally brought the fish to net. Exhausted and in awe, I leaned back in my float tube, allowing the moment to sink in before even looking into the net. When I finally did, I was met with the sight of the most magnificent fish I had ever landed. It measured an impressive 23.5 inches, a prime pre-spawn male.
Finding the Perfect Tattoo Artist for a Realistic Trout
This remarkable fish became the wellspring of my tattoo inspiration, an image I knew I wanted to carry with me permanently. The next crucial step was to find a tattoo artist whose style aligned with my vision. I sought someone specializing in high detail and realism. My concept was a trout, depicted half-submerged in water against a backdrop of stones. My online search led me to Ivy Gowen of Metamorphosis Tattoo. Her portfolio of paintings and tattoos showcased the precise detail and realism I was looking for. I immediately contacted her to schedule a consultation.
The consultation was a collaborative and enjoyable process. We were instantly on the same wavelength regarding the design. I brought a personal drawing of a brown trout as a reference point. Together, we refined the concept, adding a fishing fly delicately hanging from the trout’s mouth and incorporating a half-submerged maple leaf to add a touch of local flavour. The tattoo was planned in black and gray, with only the maple leaf and fly receiving colour accents. Excited by the developing design, I eagerly anticipated seeing Ivy’s artistic interpretation. To best showcase the intricate detail and design, we decided on a large piece across my upper back. It was a significant commitment for my first tattoo, but I was confident in the vision.
The Tattoo Process: Patience and Precision for a Trout Masterpiece
The trout tattoo materialized over three sessions, each lasting five hours. For me, it stands as a powerful symbol of my deep-seated passion for fly fishing, particularly my obsession with brown trout. The pain level was surprisingly manageable, far less intense than I had anticipated. Aside from fleeting moments of sharper discomfort, it was quite bearable. My personal side effect during the tattooing process was a sense of deep relaxation and drowsiness, which actually made the experience quite easy to endure.
Fortunately, a talented photographer friend offered her skills to document the tattoo’s progression through her lens. She expertly captured the intricate stages of the tattooing process, as well as stunning images of the completed trout tattoo, preserving the artistry and the story behind my inked obsession.
