Sunday, January 11, 2015

Missin fishin

It's been a while since I've been fishing. When I've had time, the weather hasn't cooperated, so my fishing things remain stowed behind the seat of my truck, and pushed the date further back.

The last time I was alone on the water for a few hours, before a fellow fisherman waded into view through the lifting fog.

Most folks around here who fish, go for the bass. Some use small Jon boats, but many buy fiberglass boats longer than the first house trailer we lived in. These boats can be costly to buy and operate. Obviously you can't pull a beautiful boat in a shabby truck, so you have to upgrade your wheels too. And before you're through your hobby has you $50,000 in debt.

Fly fishing can be expensive too. The rods, reels line and lures are not cheap, but when compared to a new boat, it's chump change.

The thing I love about fly fishing is that it's more like meditation than a sport. You hear gurgling water rushing over smooth stones, and waterfowl in the distance. If you're lucky, you'll hear a trout splashing on the top of the water, trying to scare up some breakfast.

I get lost in the rhythm of casting. If I get in a hurry, the line will tangle behind me. That happened a lot when I was learning, but experience has taught me patience. When I hear my backcast pop, I know to slow down, and let the line flow.

There was a story in today's paper about the value of meditation. They could have substituted the words fly fishing as far as I'm concerned.

I hope you all have a remarkable week.


11 comments:

  1. Fly Fishing relaxing! Well actually once you get into it a bit it is relaxing and there is usually great scenery. I do enjoy it when I get my rhythm, but it can be the most frustrating thing in the world to do. I have spent hours sitting on a rock undoing a birds nest. So what do I do instead? Golf! There is something wrong with me.

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  2. I have several relatives who fly fish. I love the idea of catching a fish and then releasing it.

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  3. Fly fishing just looks relaxing...and it doesn't hurt that I always think if the movie A River Runs Through It. I imagine that is Brad Pitt standing next to you. It makes me want to fish.

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  4. Great pic! Makes me want to go fishing, though I've had limited experience there. Mostly cane poles, a little rod-n-reel. No fly fishing, though

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  5. I fished (though not fly fishing) for the first time about 8 years ago. Frank is an avid lifelong angler (he even wrote a book which still enjoys decent sales) and he brought me out on the lake at his family cottage. It took me forever to touch a worm - much less hook it but over time, I've come to love going out on the boat with him and fishing for walleye. It's far more about being out there enjoying the natural surroundings than catching. But huge bonus for bringing home dinner. :) That's a lovely photo.

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  6. I love to fish. I'm not good at it and I never catch anything but I love the peace. I seldom go out on a boat but once in a while I do. Mostly I just cast my line from the bank and sit under a nice shade tree to enjoy the experience.

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  7. Fly fishing sounds like a great way to fish...relaxing and makes you a part of nature as you stand in the water casting. Love it!

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  8. If there is one thing I don't like it's fishing

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  9. I think going fly fishing is on Jack's bucket list. Sounds like something he'd enjoy. I think everyone needs a way to give the mind some down time. Enjoy your week!

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  10. We would cast for Pike and this was fun. It's kinda like fly fishing.
    Today there are so many fishing laws and then you can't eat the fish so to get a fish to eat
    without all these laws, you have to go fish from a fish farmer.
    He has either a pool or a large enough pond and you pay only for what you catch. Fishing is great for the mind and the spirit especially when you catch something and the kids are always elated and all this without a boat which again requires a license to drive, storage fees etc....Life sure changed a lot.

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  11. I haven't fished since I was 16 or 17. I always like releasing them back :)

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