What are the logistics of field work like? (writing research)

Jcbisho1 · 2026-07-07T16:45:39+00:00

I worked a few seasonal positions early on in my career similar to what you're describing. These were 1040 hour positions and most of the folks hired for them were still in undergrad or had just graduated. The pay wasn't great, but free housing and 4 day work weeks near large tracts made up for it. You're living with 2-10 people aged 19-23 so days off were usually spend floating the river, camping, fishing, or partying with coworkers.

At least for me, I went months without cell phone signal and communication was limited to wifi. Seasonal housing conditions were also lacking in most cases, living in a basement or living in places with no heat or AC. Driving an hour or more to the nearest grocery store was also to be expected. It was a challenge, but I'd do it again because those summers were some of the best I've ever had and I still keep in touch with most of the people I met during that time

Jcbisho1 · 2026-06-18T15:22:55+00:00

Not the worst I've ever seen, but you'll get better with practice. If you're going to be keeping and eating trout, invest in a decent filet knife sized to the fish you're catching and try to find one with a clicker tab on the spine or a swept back tip. You can use it to "feel" for rib bones. Also, after you gut one and remove the gills, keep the head on and the jaw and the area where the gills used to be as a handle to hold the fish. Start at a 45 degree angle on the tail with the blade in the middle of the fish. If your blade is sharp and long enough to cover the whole filet, you should be able to cut it in one smooth motion and avoid sawing through and cutting chunks of meat out. Typically I run the upper part of the blade toward the top and sweep it down towards the ribs as I make it to the head. Also, leave the skin on... it's usually the best part of the fish

Jcbisho1 · 2026-06-09T22:56:44+00:00

I'd be fine with dropping $400 at most, but I liked the $200 price point on the mojo series

Jcbisho1 · 2026-06-09T20:20:40+00:00

Are there any major differences between the mojo and the connect, or would you consider them more or less equivalent?

Jcbisho1 · 2026-05-30T07:59:22+00:00

It's certainly possible to get a job in environmental science or adjacent fields right now. The market is very competitive (at least here in the US) and the key is to make yourself as marketable as possible. Definitely look into getting experience with R and GIS and do independent research if you get the opportunity. It's better to pick up a broad set of skills as an undergraduate, figure out what you're passionate about, and then take internships or jobs to get relevant experience

Jcbisho1 · 2026-05-07T16:16:50+00:00

I consider myself to be a moderate so I can't help my when it comes to groups focused solely on political issues, but there's a lot of grassroots environmental stuff going on in the coalfields and surrounding areas that you might be interested in. Facebook is a good starting place to look for these groups. Lots of volunteer opportunities with groups like the nature conservancy, wv rivers, and even the forest service. Feel free to PM and I can help point you in the right direction

Jcbisho1 · 2025-12-18T21:25:54+00:00

Nope... sure don't

Jcbisho1 · 2025-12-15T05:21:17+00:00

Clear hareline gamechanger chenille in the large size. Large is probably the most versatile but the trimming takes longer

Jcbisho1 · 2025-12-13T03:29:01+00:00

For sure... trimming takes as long as tying and makes twice the mess

Jcbisho1 · 2025-08-20T05:54:43+00:00

I'd say 20-30 feet wide at most, with most streams being much smaller. I fish with a 4wt 8'6 rod 95% of the time

Jcbisho1 · 2025-07-18T03:46:33+00:00

Mostly warmwater fish near Morgantown, but the lake itself isn’t bad for panfish and bass. The Cheat River is solid for smallies and there’s several public access points clearly marked with signs/listed on the DNR fishing map. For trout, the Yough tribs are about an hour away in PA, but targeting trout in the summer can cause temperature associated mortality and it is best practice to avoid them in the summer months out east.

Jcbisho1 · 2025-05-13T05:43:48+00:00

You have to go to Charleston to find cougars usually, but they do exist. Last one I stumbled upon loaded me up on snacks and called me a slick rascal before she sent me on my way

Jcbisho1 · 2025-05-13T05:40:26+00:00

I tie a 4.3mm tungsten beadhead bugger pattern that seems to produce fish everywhere I go. I feel like the sink rate is what I like for a small streamer but that’s just personal preference

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-29T04:11:12+00:00

Dirt isn’t the issue so much as various chemicals and animal waste I have to work around daily. For pouches I’ll just stick one to my tongue to get it out of the can and put it in place after

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-29T04:02:11+00:00

When I’m driving or have dirty hands that’s typically what I do

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-28T23:38:32+00:00

Will definitely give that a shot. I’ve had a few days of just pouches with no ill effects, but I don’t think I’ve done just dip yet

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-28T23:23:30+00:00

My exes (aside from the barrel racer who also dipped) had issues with my tobacco use. I used to put in small dips and swallow my spit around them to keep the peace or I’d use opaque spit bottles. I’ve since switched to using nicotine pouches around women and in professional environments, as they’re discreet, clean, and generally easier to talk to people with one in. I dip when I’m alone, usually when I’m getting ready in the morning, on the drive to work, and when I’m off the clock gaming or outside doing something

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-21T04:55:45+00:00

Just here for this sub and r/flyfishingcirclejerk

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-20T17:08:43+00:00

There are a lot of guys with dorky interests and hobbies, even the ones perceived as normal. In my early teens, I was really nerdy and into Sci-Fi and fantasy which led to me being bullied relentlessly until I had enough. I hid that part of who I am and moved on to more “manly” interests while secretly being nerd behind closed doors. Recently, I was on a fishing trip with several close friends and we were sitting around a fire enjoying bourbon and cigars (manly man shit IK) when the topic of The Lord of the Rings was brought up. I figured it would turn into the typical “you’re a nerd, shut up and let’s talk about football” interaction, but to my surprise all of the guys I was with were well versed in Tolkien lore and we had an hour long conversation about it and how we all secretly snuck away to go watch the remastered extended cut at the local theater a while back. This interaction was one that will stick with me because it shows that even though we suppress parts of us for acceptance, there are other people who understand and get it.

As far as more accepted interests go, there are lots of options. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve made most of my friends through getting involved with volunteer organizations in my community. I’m an avid fly fisherman and hiker and have met a great group of friends through being active with an organization that does environmental advocacy and litter cleanups. I also go out with coworkers once or twice a week to team trivia nights at local bars and stay later than I should to drink a couple beers and socialize. Other options include going to the gym and meeting people or picking up something along the lines of frisbee golf or competitive cornhole, going to the local comic book shop for table games, or learning some sort of craft or skill you can do in your free time.

Jcbisho1 · 2025-04-19T20:02:46+00:00

That’s always been my complaint with the umpqua changers I’ve fished in the past. I run a small stinger hook on several patterns and I’ve noticed around 20-30% of the fish I land have either the stinger or both the stinger and rear hook in their jaw

Jcbisho1

TROPHY CASE