5-17-10

I went exploring for about an hour today....I paddled a new stretch of creek that I have never fished before. Absolutely beautiful section. I don't know why I haven't spent time there before. My efforts were rewarded with a huge smallie. I was using a 4 weight with a swimming nymph pattern, dead drifting it in the current.WHAMMMMOOOOO....This fish almost had me to backing on the first run. I used my hand to slow the reel and then it pulled me and my yak for a good 75 feet downstream....Amazing fish....Then I went home....I was so fulfilled by this one catch I needed nothing more. It got me thinking....Sometimes when we go out to fish it becomes all about numbers. Who caught more, the biggest...blah blah....This one catch, in a beautiful stretch of water, all alone, a lightweight rod with one fly box....That's why we do what we do...It's the moment, the place, your surroundings, the peace and tranquility, becoming part of the bigger picture....It's easy to complicate fly fishing in todays market....I think that's why more people don't get involved in this wonderful sport. Gadgets, gear, a rod for every fish, specialty reels, a line for every scenerio, bags, super waders that chill beer at the same time as keeping you dry, (that wouldn't be too bad though).... Now I'm not saying that I'm not guilty of being part of the consumer market, I have rods, reels, lines, and some gadgets and gear, I'm just saying the simple act of being in a place with beauty all around us, no phone ringing, no computer, no worries except landing the fish that's swimming away with you fly is why we all started in this sport of ours....Tight lines....