What’s in a name?

Unicorn Brookies? Why on earth would I couple the name of a mythical creature that doesn’t exist with brook trout? I’ve heard the words “unicorn brookies” thrown around a time or two on the internet. The term is typically used to define a big brook trout that is thought to be nonexistent in the mid-Atlantic.

As time has passed, this blog has taken a turn from what it started out as. I think there are a few reasons for the evolution of this site. I had originally set out to find the largest wild native brook trout in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. As I sought out obscure places, some things became apparent to me.

• In Pennsylvania especially, we don’t have the truly wild places required to hide away rare fish.
• We’ve got so many introduced species that we’re losing brook trout habitat at an alarming rate.
• I know now that the recipe for big brook trout requires access to a large body of water, and we just don’t have secluded large bodies of water that are devoid of predator species or competitive species.
• Even if I caught an abnormally large brook trout, I don’t think its wise to publish photos of it.
• It’s less about the size of the fish, and more about the protection of the species.

Beyond the issues above, I’ve personally come to appreciate all brook trout, regardless of size, and understand the importance of the species as a whole. Another issue I’ve faced is that I’ve become less interested in actually fishing for brook trout. That might sound odd, but I find that I’d rather protect the fish, or observe them without the threat of harm. So I tend to leave brook trout alone a lot more than I used to. Again, it’s less about catching them, and more about protecting them.

The site, and the name of the site, was initially about finding out if “unicorn brookies” exist in the mid-Atlantic region. I can confirm that abnormally large wild brook trout do exist. I’ve seen them, and while I’ve tried my best to catch one to see up close, I’ve been unsuccessful. The thing is, I’m fine with that.

So now the site is really just musing about brook trout.

I think this site took a similar route as the Bobwhite Quail program I mention in one of my articles. I originally set out with a goal in mind, but after realizing the issues facing the species, it’s taken on a different approach.

Now, I think the term “unicorn brookies” means something entirely different to me personally. It’s something that did exist long ago but is now as mythical as a horse with a horn protruding from its head. What would define a “unicorn brook trout”? Once you best your previous largest fish, the next size becomes the unicorn. So it’s an endless pursuit and there will always be a bigger fish beyond our reach. So to me, this blog is about a thing that doesn’t exist and the reasons for that.

Philip Light

https://www.unicornbrookies.com/about/ Philip was born and raised in Bedford, Pennsylvania. After moving to the Pittsburgh region for school and work, he returned to Bedford, where he resides today. Philip is pursuing a bachelor of science in Environmental Policy and Management from Purdue University and currently works as a design consultant in the luxury fashion industry. As a young child, he spent countless hours fishing and exploring the small freestone streams near his home. Philip soon discovered fly fishing and has been an avid fly fisher for thirty years. His fascination with fish led to his involvement in water and fish conservation. Over the last several years, Philip has been involved in conservation projects, including at an international level, with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Conservation International. More recently, he served as national vice-chair of Native Fish Coalition, building relationships with state government agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Boat Commission, and conservation non-profits. His primary focus is informing and educating anglers, negotiating with stakeholders in the government and the private sector, and protecting and enhancing wild native brook trout habitats in Pennsylvania.

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