Fly fishing and mental health

I agree fishing especially fly fishing, is great for ones mental health. IMHO, fly fisherman take in more than just fishing. Just look at the various threads on PNWFF.

For decades my wife has said 'time for you to go fishing'. I have not, nor will I ever argue, with her about that...

Quietly, I have invited people over to fish so they can get a break from their life's challenges and have an 'attitude adjustment'. I have witnessed changes. Amazing!

When I retired unexpectedly under a lot of stress from work I took 2+ months and went fishing. MT, ID, WA, and OR were visited. It helped a lot!
 
I agree that fly fishing (any time spent outdoors) is generally relaxing. But in some instances fly fishing can be quite stressful. Trying to get a good shot at a permit while wade fishing the flats all day sometimes had me wanting to steal the guide's cigarette to put in the corner of my mouth. I've met guys who chew caffeine or nicotine gum to stay hyper focused 😅
 
That’s what I tell my wife👆…that fishing can be tough…that it’s like going to work.

She never believes me 😏
 
M_D said:
That’s what I tell my wife👆…that fishing can be tough…that it’s like going to work.

She never believes me 😏
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Your absolutely correct.

I started working as a forester and took up fly fishing about the same time.

I was living in North Idaho and was fishing a cutthroat stream. The rocks were slick and I got wet. Then I twisted my ankle. Then inside of one hour I caught my fly on brush three times with my backcast.

And I thought....this is just like a real bad day at work.

A couple of months later, I purchased a float tube on a whim. When I tried it out, I smoked a cigar while fishing, never twisted my ankle, and never caught my backcast in the brush. I was fishing out of a equivalent deck lounge and comfortable all day long.

And I quickly gave up fishing streams, except those with firm, feeling bottoms and no trees along the bank.
 
509 said:
...I was living in North Idaho and was fishing a cutthroat stream. The rocks were slick and I got wet. Then I twisted my ankle. Then inside of one hour I caught my fly on brush three times with my backcast...
And I quickly gave up fishing streams, except those with firm, feeling bottoms and no trees along the bank.
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I usually fish smaller streams. I am a CFS nerd and usually know where and when I can safely wade in the streams I fish. I have good wading boots. I prefer rubber with aluminum traction bars or studs, and ALWAYS use a staff and it is rigged so it is at my fingertips when I'm not moving.

I use a simple and inexpensive method of fly fishing. I don't have a real need to make long casts. I learn, practice, and use casts that avoid trees and brush. I try to have an ergonomic outfit. I am always trying to make process simple and easier so I am not having to think too hard about anything but finding good lies and presenting a fly to them. And like anything the more I do it the less it seems I have to think about it.
 
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