Rory Aikens, who became known to thousands of anglers through his long-time tenure as editor of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report, retired last week after a 22-year career with the department.

It’s been a superb ride, full of exciting assignments in the field, interesting projects to cover, and even challenging controversies to address. The icing on the cake was getting paid to write about fishing, hunting and wildlife, Aikens said.

Aikens began his career as a public information officer with Game and Fish in 1990 after serving as a reporter and editor for the Prescott Daily Courier and the White Mountain Independent newspapers. Before that, he served in the military (including active duty in Vietnam) and earned his journalism degree at Northern Arizona University.

Aikens was involved with all types of publications and media relations during his career. One of his true loves is fishing, and he published all types of tips, updates and angler reports over his many years as editor of the Weekly Fishing Report.

He recently authored Arizona’s Official Fishing Guide, with assistance from AZGFD fisheries and regional staff and published in cooperation with Arizona Highways magazine.

I am not totally riding away into the sunset. I will still be a contributing writer-photographer to Arizona Wildlife Views magazine and will also be doing freelance work with a variety of other publications. So with any luck, maybe I’ll see you out there from time to time, Aikens said in parting.

The department plans to continue publishing the Weekly Fishing Report. If you’re not already getting the report, you can subscribe for free at http://www.azgfd.gov/signup. You can also submit reader reports and fish stories for consideration to bfishing@azgfd.gov.

Note: We at AZBW/WOT have thoroughly enjoyed our association with Rory and have learned a great deal about Arizona angling through his words. Our best wishes go out to him for a happy and rewarding retirement.