Fishing

August 2022

“There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.” _{– Steven Wright}

That about sums it up.  I couldn’t have said it better myself.  Today, I ponder fishing.  Something I love doing but never seem to do enough of it. Something I have enjoyed since I could barely hold a rod in my hand.  One of the only activities I did with my dad, which provides just one of the many fond memories I have about fishing. And yes, I have spent many hours standing on the shore, looking like an idiot!

There are numerous reasons why fishing is so gratifying for me and most of them have absolutely nothing to do with successfully catching fish. And this truly applies to nearly anyone that enjoys it.  One of the most basic reasons is that fishing is a down-to-earth way to experience the beauty of nature. Simply being outdoors on an ocean, lake, pond, river, or stream, you are surrounded by the natural world and all its glory. Fresh air and glistening water are the primary ingredients for a perfect day.

No matter where you are fishing, your attention is focused on the present moment and losing yourself within it. Clearing your mind of all distractions. The sounds of nature, birds singing and even insects buzzing are powerful parts of the experience.  As is the sound of the wind swooshing through the trees or the rippling of the river or stream.  All provide a calming effect, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the moment. Often your only thoughts are ones spent recalling past fishing adventures.

Fishing is also a great way to exercise patience.  We all need a greater capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or failure in our lives without getting angry or upset. And fishing surely provides an opportunity to practice this.  It’s not only waiting for the fish to bite.  Just untangling your fishing line that has worked itself into a giant hairball is the ultimate exercise in patience. My dad used to say, after a day where we were less than successful, “That’s why they call it fishing and not catching”.

We had our share of these days.  But it didn’t matter.  I found very early on that the pleasure of fishing was in the fishing itself, not in how many fish we caught. Putting worms on a hook, drowning them in water for hours and waiting, and waiting and waiting some more, was often quite tolerable. After a long wait, finally catching a fish was a truly incredible feeling.

All this exercising of patience brings along the next thing I love about fishing, the anticipation. Fishing is filled with expectations. Constantly wondering if that bite you just felt will be the big one. You may make 1000 casts in a day, and on any one of them you could suddenly find yourself battling a fish of an unknown species. Maybe a record breaker.

You never know what is going to happen on any single cast.  And then there is the fight itself. A fish big or small is fighting for its life. It can be very exciting to battle the fish, and land it before it breaks your line or simply spits out the hook.  While the fish runs and dives beneath the water, you cannot see it.  This is when your anticipation is at an all-time high.  Never knowing what might be revealed when it finally leaps from the water. 

Finally, if you want to be alone, fishing is a great way to find joy in solitude. Fishing alone, where it's just me, my thoughts, nature and hopefully a few fish, is a heavenly place indeed. Yet there is a certain brotherhood, a fellowship, in fishing together.  I mentioned my recollection of fishing with my dad.  Those are memories I would never trade.  But spending time with friends and family in an atmosphere where you can freely chat about life, politics, fishing, or whatever, is very gratifying.  There are few sensitive topics when you are fishing. And the stories, there is nothing like a good fishing story.  On that thought, I will end with one.

I was fishing on a lake near my childhood home not too long ago.  I was by myself for nearly an hour and had not been successful.  Other than enjoying the benefits of solitude and my natural surroundings.  I worked my way up and down the bank trying to find some fish.  After a time, another guy came up the path and started to fish.  He acknowledged me with a “Hello” and “Doin’ any good?”. Two very typical questions which I answered truthfully. He respectfully kept his distance but was fishing in an area I already deemed devoid of fish.

After just a few casts, he had a fish. Then another. Soon, he was catching fish after fish while I continued catching nothing. I was close enough to see we were using the same set up and bait. I figured this guy was a magician or a professional fisherman. Finally, a little frustrated, I went over and talked to him to see what the magic was. The guy had no clue. He said it was the first time he had ever fished. He had rented his equipment. “Isn’t it always like this?”, he asked. “No. No it’s not” I replied. “But enjoy it!”, I exclaimed, as I sheepishly made my way back to my spot.

Things can change in a hurry when you’re fishing. I was convinced that it was soon to be my turn. But it was not to be.  After about 30 minutes and 100 unsuccessful casts, I made my way back to my truck.  It was not going to be my day.  At least it was someone’s. I headed home.  Maybe tomorrow.

Yes, fishing is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling, yet bewildering activities known to man. One of the few things you can do, that you’ve done unsuccessfully for hours, but you still don’t want it to end. And you can’t wait to go back tomorrow and try again.