Why I Fish

[ozark trout fisher]

I have heard many people say that they have gone fishing, and been unsuccessful, because they did not catch any fish. This is a statement that I can not and do not understand. It may sound cliché, but in many ways it is true that fishing is a parallel to life. There are those who are purely results oriented, and do not care about the process of fishing, or just about anything else. If they win, get the promotion, or catch a fish, they are successful. If not, they have utterly failed. I do not consign myself to this line of thinking. I believe that life, as well as fishing, is more about the art, beauty, and perfection than it is about personal gain or recognition.

Fishing is about the cold water rushing past your legs, the eagle flying over your head, and all other form’s of God’s creation that surround you at the moment. When you are fishing truly and purely, your thoughts, and your whole mind are consumed by the sounds of the river and the fly you are casting and the fish you see in the pool just upstream. Intermixed are no worries, no fears, or anything else that takes away from the beautiful experience that is presently occurring.

When I am fishing, I find myself inadvertently seeking perfection and purity that is found so few places in this world. I have yet to find it in it’s most peaceful and uncluttered form, and it may be that I never will. I have had fleeting glimpses, but I have never felt this feeling long enough to get a true grasp of it. But the fact that maybe someday I will, is enough for me to continue my love affair with the stream, and the fish that reside in it. If somehow I knew I would never would, it may be that I would never fish again. It would lose its meaning.

For now, I’ll continue to make my sojourns to the river in this moment’s pursuit. I will cast, watch, and wait for the twitch of my line and the sharp pull of a fish. But maybe, when I find this moment, it will be on a day I didn’t even see a single fish.

[osuangler]

Wow. I could not agree more nor can I say "Why I Fish" any better. You sir have the same heart as I do as it goes with fishing, hunting an so on. For my own part, I enjoy the spiritual side of my outdoor life mainly because I feel removed from the distraction of the world and I have the opportunity and pleasure of being close to my Savior Jesus Christ. So often I am sad to admit that I do not find the time I know My Lord wants of me to talk with Him and know that He is with me. Kowing that He already understands that gives me confort, but it is so refreshing for me to go trout fishing and perhaps not catch a single fish but feel so satisfied. Thank you for this post. Even though I am sitting in an office at the moment, I can smell, hear and almost taste Roaring River State Park.... and my spirit is full.

Hope all is well in your world.

[FishinCricket]

Fishing does feel like a direct connection to the almighty.. Never have been able to figure out which of the 70,000 Gods I am connecting with.. (isn't there a roman god that was a fish-lover? Maybe its him..).. But it gives me peace, which is rare in this world.

That and a psychic told me once that I would be abducted by aliens while fishing.. Still waiting on that prophecy to pan out..

Nice post.

[kdan]

I haven't a clue. Just kiddnin. Well to go stand in the creek below zero or 95 in the shade and any where in between there has to be more than getting in touch with my inner self. It helps me keep my sanity, (some would question this) It helps me see all Gods wonders. I have done it all my life. Its kinda like breathing, it just comes natural. The list just grows longer of why I fish. May be it should be called "gone catching" instead of "gone fishing". Like I said, I haven't a clue as to why I fish, I JUST do. From the moment I leave the house to go fishing till I get home is one of lifes greatest gifts (or pleasures). In fact on the way home I am all ready making plans for the next adventure. If one derives satisfaction from just going, then add the bonus of catching into the equation. TAAAAA DAAAA, thats it. That is why I FISH.

[KCRIVERRAT]

God forbid I don't catch any fish... God forgive if I don't enjoy my day!

[ozark trout fisher]

Wow. I could not agree more nor can I say "Why I Fish" any better. You sir have the same heart as I do as it goes with fishing, hunting an so on. For my own part, I enjoy the spiritual side of my outdoor life mainly because I feel removed from the distraction of the world and I have the opportunity and pleasure of being close to my Savior Jesus Christ. So often I am sad to admit that I do not find the time I know My Lord wants of me to talk with Him and know that He is with me. Kowing that He already understands that gives me confort, but it is so refreshing for me to go trout fishing and perhaps not catch a single fish but feel so satisfied. Thank you for this post. Even though I am sitting in an office at the moment, I can smell, hear and almost taste Roaring River State Park.... and my spirit is full.

Amen Brother. Glad you enjoyed the post.

[JGarland]

Fishing is about the cold water rushing past your legs, the eagle flying over your head, and all other form's of God's creation that surround you at the moment. When you are fishing truly and purely, your thoughts, and your whole mind are consumed by the sounds of the river and the fly you are casting and the fish you see in the pool just upstream. Intermixed are no worries, no fears, or anything else that takes away from the beautiful experience that is presently occurring.

Well said, I experience that connection and relate to what you are saying very well. Good post.

[Justin Spencer]

I think in general those who stream fish do it for different reasons then those who fish lakes from a bass boat. Getting out on the stream is a back to nature experience for me and the fish are just a bonus. When I hit the lake it is much less rewarding if the fishing is poor, I still enjoy it when the fish are biting (don't get me wrong). Being not a great fisherman I tend to enjoy my time on the streams better as a nice peaceful experience is had regardless of catching. Less stress floating down a river as you don't have to worry about motors, bilge pumps, running lights, trailer lights etc. I still enjoy hitting the lakes from time to time as you can't catch many of these lake fish on the rivers (gotta keep the freezer stocked with crappie), but when I want a nice peaceful day enjoying nature, give me a river over the lake anyday.

[ozark trout fisher]

I think in general those who stream fish do it for different reasons then those who fish lakes from a bass boat. Getting out on the stream is a back to nature experience for me and the fish are just a bonus. When I hit the lake it is much less rewarding if the fishing is poor, I still enjoy it when the fish are biting (don't get me wrong). Being not a great fisherman I tend to enjoy my time on the streams better as a nice peaceful experience is had regardless of catching. Less stress floating down a river as you don't have to worry about motors, bilge pumps, running lights, trailer lights etc. I still enjoy hitting the lakes from time to time as you can't catch many of these lake fish on the rivers (gotta keep the freezer stocked with crappie), but when I want a nice peaceful day enjoying nature, give me a river over the lake anyday.

Well said. It's true...A fishless day on somewhere like the Current or North Fork beats the heck out of a day stocking the freezer at the lake. Don't get me wrong, most of the time when I am out fishing, I want to catch lots of fish, and preferably big ones, but when I am in a certain mood, there is just something about fly fishing in moving water that just gets me almost right down to my soul. I won't probably never understand what that feeling is. It probably has something to do with being plugged into nature, one of the few things that truly is so large so great that is beyond our comprehension. Whatever it is, I am not being overdramatic in saying that those kinds of moments save my life. It just has a way of putting everything else in perspective.