Philosomophizing about fishing

[HauntedByWaters]

I can relate to that sometimes. But other times, I can be like Costanza and leave on a high note. “I’m out!”

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This is how I am. I’ve caught a lot of fish in my life, nice ones too. I consider myself very lucky to have experienced what I have experienced. I’ll leave on a high note regularly. It didn’t used to be that way but it just feels like it’s unfair to the fish sometimes and I guess I’m being more ethical than I used to be with my numbers. I don’t enjoy blasting fish all day anymore, it’s just too much on the fish and doesn’t feel like a challenge.

Last winter I caught my biggest steelhead in years and sat on the side of the river for a half and hour on the fish high reminiscing. I decided to make another cast after a long deliberation and got another steelhead of equal size. That made me put the rod down for a couple weeks. I think that’s the right way to be with fisheries as close to doomed as ever. You need to get a taste and then move on for a while IMO.

 

[Coach Potter]

Your analogy makes sense.

I spent 10 years winning and losing (mostly losing ) money based on fishing outcomes. Fishing methods were always dictated by the fish and me not wanting to lose. I spent a LOT of time fishing with methods that I didn't really enjoy.

Now that I'm back flyfishing, unless I'm guiding, I fish how I like, for how long I like and without regard to outcomes. I lean heavily toward dries and streamers.

 

[dirty dog]

I have an analogy regarding fishing compared to gambling. Winning (or catching) only makes the urge to gamble (or to continue to fish) more intense. I knew a compulsive gambler. One night she won $1700. Enough to pay her back rent with money left over. Did she leave the casino? No. She lost it all before going home. She was never satiated. When I am fishing and finally land that personal best fish.. I cast out again the very next minute. I have often struggled with just taking a break to enjoy my "winnings".

Just one more cast, then another, and another.
I took a fellow member fishing one afternoon after she got off work.
I was setting on the tail gate of my truck in the dark and I could hear my friend still catching one fish after another.
Just one more cast

 

[dirty dog]

The other day I was having an excellent time catching, releasing, and wet wading in the cool waters of the N. Umpqua Rivers fly only water.
My ole legs were getting tired and it is about a 1/4 mile hike back to the parking lot trail head.
I had to walk past a couple 100 yds of some nice pocket water, so hard for me.
But it turned out for the best, cause there was another fisher and I left him some good water.

 

[Jim in Anacortes]

Here is another analogy. I used to like to go to the horse races. The thrill of watching the horses, with money on the line, is a severe adrenalin rush. Buying a lottery ticket is just not the same thing. When I "wager" a cast into a perfect spot, with a gurgler..I am in effect "watching the horses" and getting a thrill out of that, even though I know of more effective "wagers". The odds of winning at the track are dismal compared to other forms of gambling....but the thrill of watching your horse place.... just keeps them betting.