Fly Fishing: The Allure Of The Fish

I have been asked many times why I go to such lengths to fish and have wanted to respond; “to escape the absolute drivel that comes out of people like you!” Of course I don’t, and probably shouldn’t because people who need to ask, won’t understand. Why is it that on the weekend I am not home cleaning the basement, garage or watching some event on TV like everyone else? Or perhaps tightening a loose board on the cellar stairs or some other tedious and mundane activity that just saps your strength and leaves you watching the evening news? Nay! Nay! One thousand times nay! I am off to a better place, a place that provides me with solace. The woods or the shore, places with clean air, few if any voices and of course, fish! The allure of fish is the allure of the combination of these things, which for me is deeply rooted in Hedonism, to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Is this a selfish act? Ya! Of course it is! If you want a sense of self, you have to be a little selfish. For me, the alternative to flyfishing is crushing boredom. Fish, regardless of species, draw me to them. While on the road I want to fish every stream, river or pond I pass just to see if it will give up something surprising! How many times do you cross a body of water and say “I’d like to fish that some day when I have time?” You know it won’t happen when you mutter it to yourself. Stop this madness and answer the call of the 26” Brown under that bridge, the three pound Brookie! Do the right thing and pull over, get the rod, and fish! You won’t get the day back!