I believe that the life of any fisherman is really just one big fishing trip. That trip, or journey, is unique to each fisherman. And, each fisherman’s personal trip and journey is molded and formed through the totality of their fishing experiences. I also believe that every fisherman is, to some degree, in a constant state of evolution. Fishing is and has always been part of who I am. Fishing has also been similar to any other sport. Take baseball for example. A baseball player starts off playing T-ball, then moves up to little league, then to high school baseball, then to college baseball, then to AAA or AA or perhaps even the major leagues. In general, the goal is always to evolve and it would be uncharacteristic and somewhat strange for a college baseball player to want to go back to playing T-ball.
I can’t even remember my childhood memories without remembering fishing. I spent entire days sitting on the rocks with sand worms, squid and clams fishing for anything and everything that would bite. While getting pretty good at that I looked out at the ocean dreaming of the next level and thinking, “I wonder what kind of monsters I could catch if I could get on a boat and fish those rock piles that I can’t reach from shore?” Well years would pass and I would get many opportunities to fish those rock piles on friends boats and even my own little boat. I got pretty good at that and soon grew bored with catching fish on bait and switched to artificial lures. I got pretty good at that and after a few more years I thought to myself, “I wonder what kind of monsters I could catch if I could get far away from land?” I knew that in order to get where I wanted to go, there wasn’t a recreational fisherman who could bring me there and fish to the degree that I wanted to. I needed to find out what went on way offshore where sport and recreational fisherman don’t go. I wanted to go, for weeks and even months at a time, where those big rusty fishing ships went. I wanted to see and experience first hand, professional (commercial) fishing. So, that’s what I did. I walked the docks begging captains to take me on as a greenhorn. I told every captain that I would be willing to clean decks, clean dishes, pick through piles of fish, mend nets and do whatever I had to do – If they would just give me a shot. I was only 17 years old at that time and most captains laughed me off the dock, except for one.
One captain, of a 125 ft commercial dragger (The Trinity) out of Point Judith, Rhode Island (that eventually ended up sinking at sea), gave me a shot. He said, “We are switching over all of our fishing gear and doing an engine rebuild on dry dock for the next two weeks. If you show up and work for free from sunrise to sunset – you can come out to sea and work as a deck hand on the next trip.” So, that’s what I did. I ended up getting experience as a deckhand and part of an 8 person fishing crew and learning how to cut scallops, cut cod, set nets, read navigational charts, etc. I got pretty good at spending 2 weeks at a time at sea, fishing 24 hours per day and hauling in upwards of 30,000 pounds of fish every shift. My mind began to wonder and I couldn’t help but think, “Where are the really big fish? Where are the swordfish, sharks, marlin etc..?” I knew that I had seen all that was possible to see from dragging nets across the ocean floor. So, I took my skill sets and in a relatively easy fashion landed a job on an offshore commercial long-lining fishing boat.
Because we had to go so far offshore; these trips lasted 4 weeks rather than 2 weeks at sea. I learned how to work with mono and cut and splice all mono line using all sorts knots. I learned how to bait 1,200 hooks every night for swordfish, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna and mako sharks. I learned about water temperatures and warm water eddies and current breaks and much more. I learned how to troll for fish while the long-lines were set. And, I saw things and caught fish that I will never forget. Thousands of pounds of swordfish, tuna, sharks, mahi and various other species grade A fish that we would sell for top dollar. We also caught all sorts of fish such as marlin, tiger sharks, giant rays etc.. as by-catch. I got pretty good at that and made some great money, but I was bored with that now. I now had all sorts of fishing skills and experience on various commercial fishing boats and getting jobs on fishing boats was pretty easy. So, I went to Alaska and gillnetted for Salmon and caught thousands of pounds of every kind of Salmon worth catching.
Eventually, I got bored with all of it and then realized there wasn’t much to wonder about and I had reached a place where I was bored with fishing. I had, for all practical purposes, done it all and caught everything there was to catch. There was nothing left to do. I certainly had no interest in reverting back to fishing for fun or sport fishing with rods and reels on weekends. I never have personally liked fish to eat but I had no problem making money by catching literally tons and tons of all kinds of fish that were shipped worldwide for other people to eat. I had caught all of the biggest fish in the world and more fish than an entire fleet of recreational sport fisherman could catch in a lifetime. And, for a period of about 5 years my fishing journey was over.
During that time, I actually blocked out fishing because not only did I not like it; I was haunted by some of the things I had done. Through all of my fishing experiences and fishing “accomplishments”; I realized how small the oceans are and how delicate and finite its resources are. I didn’t like to think about the fact that we would drag up 30,000 pounds of fish, dump it on deck, pick out the fish that we could sell and then shovel 20,000 pounds of dead fish back into the ocean. I didn’t like to think about all of “worthless” fish and animals such as marlin, dolphins, bluesharks, hammerhead sharks, seals, rays etc.., that met their fate by getting tangled in our long-lines and gillnets. Fishing became something that, in many respects, I wish I had never done.
Then, I was introduced to fly fishing. It re-ignited the connection between me and fish by widening the gap and increasing the challenge. I was once again able to enjoy the ocean and all of its elements and fish in a manner that seemed like fair chase. Catching a fish, any fish, with bait or plugs was like playing T-ball. Fly fishing though, that was a different story. It was hard! Infact, it was nearly impossible for me to catch a fish when I first started. I vividly remember how hard it was to catch my first striped bass on a fly, my first trout on a fly, my first albie on a fly etc.. I also remember how cool it was, and how cool it is to this day, to be able to catch a fish with a fly that has a single hook and release it and watch it swim away. Once again, my passion for fishing was re-ignited, my fishing journey continued where it had left off and I continued to evolve as a fisherman.
Well, after some time and experience I got pretty good at certain types of fly fishing for certain species of fish. For example, it became fairly common and relatively easy to be able to catch 30 striped bass in one session on flies. So, the rewards and sense of accomplishment doing that became less. And, for that species of fish I needed to widen the gap between fisherman and fish and make the challenge greater; in order to feel a sense of accomplishment. I was at a point where I would much rather catch a couple very meaningful rewarding fish than 100 fish the “same old” way. Now, I fully understand that the fisherman who just converted to fly fishing gets great satisfaction, just as I did, from catching his very first striped bass on the fly, regardless of how it was caught. I am simply suggesting that, through time, he too might find that in order to feel the same sense of accomplishment – he will have to widen the gap between fisherman and fish and make the challenge greater.
A few weeks ago, I got an opportunity to go sight fishing for striped bass with Amanda Switzer. I had never truly sight fished for striped bass. Amanda poled me around on her flats boat as I looked down in crystal clear water and saw hundreds of fish. Yes, we could have blind casted into rock piles or off deep edges and probably caught unlimited fish on flies – but that was not “the game” we were playing. We were trying to find one fish in shallow clear water, present our fly to that one fish and catch that one fish. Over the course of 3 days, I ended up catching only 1 small striped bass – but it was one of the most rewarding striped bass that I have caught in a very long time. By many fishing standards, one small striped bass over the course of three full days would be a terrible fishing trip. But, in relation to where I am at in my personal fishing journey, it was an incredibly successful and rewarding fly fishing trip.
So, I fully appreciate every form of fishing and I fully appreciate that every fisherman is on a personal journey that is unique. I recently took my youngest son bobber fishing with a worm and he caught his first fish ever. A perch. He was enormously proud of that accomplishment. It is my hope that he will continue to evolve as a fisherman and instead of seeking out huge numbers of fish in the “same-old-same-old” fashion; he will seek out the sense of accomplishment that is felt when the gap and the challenge between fish and fisherman is where it should be. Thanks Amanda, for a great fly fishing trip and for helping me evolve as a fisherman and for being part of my personal fishing journey.
Loved your post about the evolution of a fisherman. For anyone who is passionate about the sport it is an always changing and evolving game, so I can relate to your story. I was fortunate to recieve my first fly rod at eight and learned to fish small brooks and beaver ponds for brook trout in central maine. I killed an awful lot of fish then. when I was in college I began searching out bigger fish and started night fishing the kennebec. Trophies were my target and my focus was big fish, and as many as possible. I spent a summer in Alaska about 12 years ago and traveled the state with a couple of fly rods and a tent. I had some amazing experiences but something changed in me as a fisherman. Upon returning to Maine I noticed that for two years I fished less , it was tough to replace the thrill of forty pound kings and 50 fish days for dollies and rainbows.
Then I began looking for differnt challenges with a fly rod , salt water fish, carp, smallmouth with poppers, Pike on a fly. I aslo began teaching fly casting and spending more time taking pictures and enjoying the “big picture”. I think you summed it up best when you said that “…every fisherman is on a personal journey that is unique….” With all who have fishing in the blood I think that it is inevitable. Great observation and insight.
everything we do in life should evolve through challenge so that we always aspire to improve and succeed. As your one small stripe bass taught you after 3 days of fishing the size of the reward is not always measured in quanity. to much is made of what we have or don’t have. my fishing journey has introduced me to some of the most wonderful people i have ever met and some of the most beautiful things i have ever seen. How can you beat that.
Excellent read! I have heard you talk about your commercial fishing experience and the various steps you have taken through life and how you evolved and this story gives a great perspective. As you say “every fisherman is on a personal journey that is unique.” I couldn’t agree more and that is one of the things that i truly love about the sport, the journey. I have gone through a broad evolution myself from dunking worms when i was barely old enough to stand to casting my first fly at age 8 to ultimately travelling all over the world pursuing various species on the fly. For me with fly fishing like you there were milestones that i wanted to achieve and gradually as i achieved them i wanted a greater challenge. Within each type of fly fishing, I have found ways in which to make it as challenging as possible and those are the types of fly fishing that i continue to enjoy. I can relate to fly fisherman at every level as i was at that stage myself at some point. Now, I choose to fly fish in the most challenging manner because I find that the most rewarding. Whether it is running down the beach chasing huge roosterfish in 110 degree heat, or stalking large trout in shallow, clear water or launching 100 ft casts while up to my chest in ice cold water on a steelhead river or jumping around on sharp and slick jetty rocks or trying to hold on to the rope in your skiff chasing bonito each type of fishing that i enjoy the most is the type where there is a large element of challenge where the fish has the upper hand and the odds are stacked against me. Fly fishing where frequently an entire day is spent for just one fish, not because they weren’t there or weren’t feeding, but because the method I chose to pursue them with was extremely difficult and challenging and ultimately as a result the most rewarding. That is the type of fly fishing that i get the most enjoyment out of.
Kory – Exactly what I am trying to say – and per our many discussions on the topic .. there is no “simple” way to put it. There are many many layers to “the challenge.” For example, there is an old saying that says “Never leave fish to find fish.” Well, this is very true .. IF your goal is catching fish after fish after fish after fish. But, if your goal is “the challenge” than once you have “found the fish” and you have caught a couple in that spot or area … well, in order to get “the challenge” back you may want to leave those fish to find other fish. For me, whether regardless of whether I am in freshwater or saltwater a big part of the challenge and the thrill is finding fish. So, after catching 1 or 2 fish, I often leave a steelhead run that is packed with fish or a pod of bonito feeding on a certain stretch of beach … and go in search of new fish in new water and level the “playing field” once again. On the other hand, perhaps mother nature makes the challenge much harder. Let’s say that there are 30 mph winds and 5 foot seas .. well all of a sudden finding 1 pod of bluefish and setting up on those fish and being able to cast a fly to those fish under those circumstances becomes very difficult – in which case catching one bluefish might be very rewarding that day because of the total difficulty of the environments. I guess what I am trying to say .. is that you can’t sum up anything as “this is harder than that” or “nymphing is easier than swinging” or “sight fishing is harder than blind casting” … etc. etc. .. Everything is dependant on the totality of the circumstances and each fisherman is at a different place in their fishing journey. The bottom line really becomes that you know and feel it in your gut, as a fisherman, when its time to widen the gap between fish and fisherman and keep the challenge of “fair chase” alive.
Thanks for the comment. This is a topic that felt good to get out there .. as its hard to put into words and ultimately something that we feel. Each of us knows where we are in our journey and each fisherman is different – but the one consistency is that each of us knows in our gut when what we are doing is “old hat” and when our fishing has become a mundane effort of just tugging on fish in the “same old way.” I think you hit the nail on the head with “Then I began looking for differnt challenges with a fly rod” … That’s the point. And if we continue to do this, the positive effects are many because we naturally catch less fish (which is better for the fisheries) and we also feel a better sense of reward from our fishing efforts. And we can leave what is “old hat” for us .. to other fisherman who will get a great feeling of success from what we have outgrown. And like all things in life .. something that is “old hat” for one person is a new experience for another person.
You can’t.
Really enjoyed the Introspection, great story. I know how your commercial days kind of plague you, but I think that all of those experiences gave you a deep respect for fish and fostered a strong bond with fishing that will stand the test of time. I just heard a blurb on NPR today and your story reminded me of it. These reformed pick-pockets in London that go around and slip 20 bucks into people’s pockets on the train and bus and feel better because they are giving back. I suspect that every time you slide a fish back into the water you are also “giving back”. My favorite aspect of fishing is the journey, it’s fascinating how it morphs and shifts. Until recently I never understood what people meant when they said “it’s not about catching fish”, I just thought they were lousy fishermen, but at this point in my journey it makes perfect sense. The most intriguing part of the puzzle is how everything in the outdoors is rhythmic and cyclical and you really become part of that matrix when you set out on the water. Our species wasn’t designed to revolve around a clock or within determined linear boundaries and when we are in tune with the natural rhythm we are in a good place. Thanks for the read, inspiring.
Phenomenal read. You brought it full circle. Amazing how fishing brings people on personal journeys through life. I especially like how what was once satisfying is now not what it once was. Much like your stripers, I used to love going out and trying to catch as many big fish as I could on nymphs streamers what ever it took. Now, for me, it is more satisfying to catch one or two on dry flies in new water. And, like all things I may become bored with that and move on to something else. I love the change and learning thats what keeps it alive for me. Great post very awesome. Congrats on the striper.
You got a bluewater education that most of us will never see.
Nice thoughts about the evolution as a fly angler and the natural transition from the numbers game to the challenge game.
Whip,
Thanks for the read and the comment bro. Infact, you and I have been friends for many years now – and our friendship and fly fishing is proof of “evolution.” Take steelheading (which we do a lot of together) and how we met. There was a time when the goal was just to find a couple fish and catch them on flies regardless if we were using a lot of weight, a little weight, indicators, swinging flies etc… Well, we got pretty good at that and instead of finding a hole that is packed with steelhead and catching one after another (which was a LOT of fun) we evolved to leaving that hole and going to find fish in new water on new rivers or in different sections of river. Then, we started to have lot’s of holes or buckets that we knew were pretty much a guarantee and began to change our methods a bit. Instead of running line and big amounts of weight we would fishin indicators with just a touch of weight and even test and try all different types of nymphing setups .. Then we evolved into the swinging game and often swing flies for steelhead much like you and I did for atlantic salmon up in canada. The point is, and maybe I am speaking strictly for myself, I do enjoy catching fishing as that is definately part of fly fishing or any form of fishing. Not catching, is certainly not a goal. But, we can change an adapt and evolve so to still retain the goal of catching but change up the dynamics a bit to make “the catch” harder. And, sometimes mother nature does that for us. I can think of numerous instances while steelheading that there is slush ice in the river, finding fish is tough, blinding wind and snow and catching a steelhead on that day (regardless of whether its caught nymphing or swinging) is very difficult. And, this applies to all species and all fly fishing methods – and that is why I think it is impossible to definatively say that any one method is easier/harder than the next. That kind of mentality is foolish, because “hard” and “easy” are subjective matters. If I speak fluent french and you speak fluent German and Kory speaks fluent Spanish .. it would be foolish of me to say, “Come on guys, french is so easy to speak.” Yes, its true .. that french would be easy for me (because I have already learned it) .. but its not true that it was “easy” for me to learn and certainly not true that it would be “easy” for me to learn spanish or german. My point is, that swinging flies for some people may be very easy and for them to catch fish on nymphs might be very hard because they have never truly nymphed (alex would be a great example of that .. because all they do in argentina is swing flies and he had never nymphed .. so for him to hook up with a steelhead on a dead drifted nymph was actually impossible for an entire 5 day trip.) The bottom line is that .. the level of “challenge” is really only measured between the individual and the fish he is pursuing. What is easy for you might be very hard for me and visa versa. So, generalizations of “easy” and “hard” have absolutely no truth to them; because they are subjective and relational to each of us as individual fisherman. And, I think its very important to always remember your roots – and never lose sight of the fact that for me, you and everyone else .. “catching” that first steelhead was nothing short of “very hard” – regardless of how it was caught. So, if a person is now at a place where he gets his satisfaction from and level of challenge only from .. let’s say .. swinging flies .. well, good for him and that is where you he is at. But for that person to impose his “challenge” on others and expect others to abide only by his “challenge” does not make much sense. And hey, if some people aren’t looking for a challenge .. its not my place to say they are wrong. As long as everyone is fishing within the context of the laws and everyone is having fun … that is ultimately what its all about. And, our journey is unique unto ourselves. Looking forward to steelheading with you soon! Peace bro.
Thx for sharing part of your evolution as a fisherman. I couldn’t agree more that we each find our own edge or challenge and as that moves so do we. It seems that some people would never get bored with cathcing huge numbers of fish but it does get old and fishing is often about finding new ways to grow and test our skills against creatures perfectly tuned into their environment. Given that some fish are very challenging to hook in certain situations and finding those fish and situations is the never ending edge.
That Western rigged dragger is a bit different than the old Eastern rigged dragger I used to go out on but I’m sure is the same as to physical exhaustion. Swinging gear and the occasional “man overboard” was enough to keep you on your toes.
See you in Montauk!!
Thanks for readin’ joey. Exactly, just like playin’ music and guitar .. always tryin’ to reach those 4 fret chords that once seemed so hard .. then, one day you can do it .. but, inevitably your not satisfied and you play with another musician who does something so incredible on the guitar and then you just gotta be able to do that .. then you can do that .. and you see someone do something else that you can’t do and you just gotta do that … and, someone who is just learning guitar is totally stoked when they can play “knocking on heavens door” the whole way through … while someone who has been playing for a long time doesn’t get the same satisfaction from that anymore, and they are working on something else. But, the sense of accomplishment for both people is equal, regardless of what they are working on. So, fly fishing i guess .. is like music .. in the sense that nobody can really ever master it, because there are an infinite number of things that could be done and learned .. and both are a constant excercise in evolving and always learning. lookin’ forward to fly fishin’ with ya soon and pickin’ some tunes too. been a while. cya.
“Given that some fish are very challenging to hook in certain situations and finding those fish and situations is the never ending edge.”
Precisely. Some fish are so elusive and hard to find and so highly migratory .. that I have and still do put in countless hours covering thousands of miles on the water and never see the fish feeding on top the way i wan to see them and haven’t even gotten the opportunity to make a legitemate cast to the fish in 2 years. So, you are totally right … the nature of some fish make them seemingly impossible to catch. But, if you do get that one shot .. and you can make that one shot count .. and you can catch just one of these types of fish .. the rewards are pretty sweet. I enjoy those kind of species and challenges.
“The numbers game” can still be fun on occasion … Just as we have done in the past together .. I am sure if times are super tough on the tuna front .. we’ll have no problem firing our flies into mega pods of bluefish … that’s always a good time – when times get tough. And, if memory serves .. I think the fish were so thick that year .. we were cutting our hooks off and just fishing crease flies and gurglers with no hooks .. just to watch the fish fight over the flies .. that’s fun too … good talkin’ to you today pete .. looking forward to working with you on that project next spring.
“Swinging gear and the occasional “man overboard” was enough to keep you on your toes. ” …
Ya man, got pretty rough out there from time to time .. and kinda scary when storms kick up and “home” is a 2-3 day boat ride away. Hunker down and definately “stay on your toes” .. praying doesn’t hurt either 🙂
Your story struck a chord with me. It reminded me of some of my early experiences as a fisherman, and perhaps more importantly, a “fly fisherman.” We cannot take our past and make it something different than it really is. We sometimes try. But it is always there somewhere in the back of our minds trying to claw it’s way out. And Sometimes we find ourselves hiding away because of it. But then by the grace of God we come to the realization that it is the past and not the future. I have always thought that those kinds of experiences had a purpose. One that allows us to change. It is easy to ignore the past, or to blame our current condition on it. It is much harder to accept it and move forward, using it to our advantage. If you had not had those experiences when you were younger, would you be where you are today? I don’t believe you would. And you are right! It is a journey. One that is filled with both good and bad stuff. Stuff that helps us get to the next chapter in our life. If we let it! Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us.
Bfly – Your comment – actually hits the root of why I wrote this fish tale. I had a pretty heated debate recently with Amanda about the “bluefin tuna” and really, the bluefin tuna relates to any species of fish. For context, please watch this
Video On Bluefin Tuna. [www.cbsnews.com] I fully understand that this is commercial fishing and the fish is being caught to feed people and this is entirely different than sport fish in some respects. But, in other respects its not. Collectively, sportfisherman who harvest fish can have an enormous impact on any species of fish whether it be striped bass or wild salmon or wild trout. If striped bass fisherman are pounding the water from Maryland to Maine trolling and baiting and doing whatever it takes to catch “the big one” and having enormous success and limiting out day in and day out. Well, those “big ones” are the breader fish and the fish simply can not sustain over fishing. Any fish, in my opinion, in todays world – has a hard enough time just surviving. We as human beings, whether it be tuna in the fragile ocean or trout in a small fragile brook, have the power to wipe out any species in an instant if we wanted to do so. With radar, aircraft, fish finders, huge factory trawlers, advanced net systems and all sorts of fishing technology the reality of the situation is that, in the big scheme of things, its not even a fight. The fish don’t even have a chance. It is analageous to a prize heavyweight fighter going into the ring with a 5 year old kid. So, all fish .. the fish in our oceans and our little streams are no different than goldfish in a fish bowl. If we wanted to .. we could scoop them all out of the bowl and that would be it for fish. And, many countries have done this to their fisheries and there are many fishing grounds in the United States that we have also raped to the point where the fishing grounds are steril and there is virtually no life. Now, probably like most fisherman, I am split and divided right down the middle. I certainly don’t want us to wipe out every trout in the wild trout streams and I certainly don’t want to see striped bass teter on the brink of extinction once again. At the same time, I definitely don’t want to quit fishing for and catching fish. So, what is the answer? The answer has to be found in “balance.” Through a collection of state and federal and even international regulations we are told what we can and can not do in terms of where we can fish, when we can fish, how we can fish and if and how many fish we can keep. This is good! Beyond that, I simply suggest that just because we can keep 2 steelhead per day or 2 bluefin tuna per day or 2 striped bass per day .. does not mean that we always have to. Fishing is in my blood and as a fisherman I understand all forms of fishing and in many respects we can think we are “evolved” as much as we like — but we are not that much different than the indian with a spear standing on the rock waiting to spear his catch. And, speaking of Indian’s .. its my belief that they had the answer in their philosophy of “take what you need from the earth and leave the rest alone.” So, I believe that the answer rests in BALANCE. Fanatical behavior on one side of the other is not for me. I personally recognize the the ocean, the rivers, our lakes and ponds and the fish that swim in them are not a finite resource. I do care deeply about the preservation of those things for myself, my children and their children. I do recognize that none of these things are “Mine” – they are “Ours.” And, I do recognize that everyone has different agendas. After all, the commecial fisherman could argue, “Hey, we are catching fish for PEOPLE to eat and fishing pays the bills to feed my family.” And, that would be a very valid argument because, obviously, feeding people and supporting your family is important. So, I don’t think there is a “one size fits all” answer. The issue is much to big and much to complex and can never be black and white. And, I truly believe that fanatical standpoints on one side or the other only make the problem worse. So, the answer rests somewhere in the middle and its up to us individually to make concious choices and efforts of what we personally do as fisherman and perhaps through our actions and intelligent discussion we can each make an impact in a small way. But, collectively all of our individual “little impacts” could have an enormously positive effect. So, for me, it resolves at this. I am a sport/recreational fisherman these days. I love to fish and love to catch and release fish. For me, I enjoy only fishing the fly and even when fishing the fly I try to constantly keep a certain level of “fair chase” between me and the fish I pursue. I could be totally wrong, but I have found a way for me to personally feel good about fishing and doing so in a manner that keeps the challenge alive and has, what I believe to be, less of a devastating impact on the fisheries I fish. If, in the course of my lifetime .. my actions and the manner in which I fish .. result in only 1 person saying “hey, I’m kinda bored with catching striped bass on bait and keeping 100 fish per year .. maybe I will try this fly fishing thing and try a little catch and release.” Well then, I have done my little part. And, as individuals all we can do is “our little part.” And, actions speak louder than words .. And, collectively if each of the 5119 members of this site all did “their little part” in whatever way that may be .. THAT is how change and collective preservation takes place. I’m going fishing.
Jeremy,
I look at it this way. There are no mistakes, just growth, evolution and eventually, natural selection. In this industry we have to learn from our past, and as we have seen, we can turn bad situations around. I think that most of us were introduced into fishing by either being allowed to fill our buckets up with snappers, blue gills, or whatever we could catch plenty of at that time, but as we got older, and sobered up from all the needless carnage, we came to terms with what it was we were doing. I only hope that more people see what is happening and stop turning their attention away form what needs to be done.
People are allowed to change, more importantly, expected to.
I am with you, friend, as I have killed many sharks and other species, and the older I get, the more difficult it is to recollect those memories. I certainly don’t tell my old fishing stories the way I did when I was younger. I will not judge others, only try to lead by my examples now.
Thank you for your story.
Amanda
Great read jeremy!
Like you I appreciate all types of fishing and don’t look down on any type of technique but rather just say that type of fishing is right or not right for me.
To me it’s all about the challenge so I like to catch fish on my own terms. For example there is a lake around here where I could catch 30 salmon a day on spinners but instead i choose to catch a lot less on the fly. Once again i am after what is most enjoyable which is not numbers of fish but the way i catch them.
It’s intersting as well as how i can go through this journed not just in a lifetime but within a day! it’s hard for me to catch fish the same way all day and not get bored so i mix it up. If i catch 10 or so steelhead drifting a glo bug i will most likey start to level the playing field and increase the challenge by doing something different lik throwing a dry fly. Sure my catch rate will drop but my interest will come back and i won’t be just going through the motions.
“There are no mistakes, just growth, evolution and eventually, natural selection. In this industry we have to learn from our past, and as we have seen, we can turn bad situations around.”
That really says it all – And, The Striped Bass is a testiment to that statement. I remember when I was 12 years old or so .. NOBODY caught a striped bass. It was a very rare occurance and perhaps you would hear of some guy catching one striped bass at night in some undisclosed location. The fish were commercial fished to the point that they mine as well not have existed. Then, the commercial fishing for those fish was banned and even sport fisherman had very tight regulations .. and, low and behold .. through the years .. the numbers of striped bass have come back to an astounding degree. So, things can and do change for the better. Fish, much like nature is amazing in its ability to restore and correct itself – if given the chance. Thanks Amanda.
Kodiak – You nailed it brotha! “It’s intersting as well as how i can go through this journey not just in a lifetime but within a day!” .. Absolutely agreed! And to validate your point .. Let’s say I came to fish with you. Well I have never fished in your neck of the woods and ya, you may have a spot that, for you, catching a steelhead or salmon is a no brainer. But, since its my first time to Kodiak Alaska .. you may take me to that spot in order to get one or 2 fish under my belt. But, once that happens its up to both of us to change the game .. explore new water .. try different tactics and keep the “thrill of the chase” and “the challenge” alive. So “the journey” is definately a life long as well as a day to day and even hour to hour journey. And, using that “little spot” in kodiak alaska as an example .. we may very well venture of to new territory and new water using new methods for a day or two and find and catch nothing – in which case we might very well find ourselves back at that little “go-to” spot for a few drifts.
Also, I really like what you said here, “I appreciate all types of fishing and don’t look down on any type of technique but rather just say that type of fishing is right or not right for me.” Very well said. Thanks for reading and commenting kodiak.
PS. I do actually hope to get a chance to come up and fish with you someday! And you better keep in mind that what will be “easy” for you .. will definitely be “hard” for me .. and perhaps help me “get my feet wet” in one of your little honey holes :)! Looking forward to that day. Take care.
Again…I couldn’t agree with you more! I have in the past kept fish to eat. However, it has become something that I don’t “need” to do anymore while I am out fly fishing. So I don’t do it. And I don’t have a problem with someone else keeping a fish or two either. But, I do take issue with those who don’t treat our resources with respect. I’m sure you know what I mean. And as for everyone doing “their little part”…..well I think you have really hit the nail on the head. We as a group of “fly fisherman” or just fisherman for that matter see first hand what what we as a people can due to our lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and oceans. We can do more as individuals or as a group of fisherman than any Government agency could do. We are after all are on the front lines. A few years ago I had taken my brother and my Dad fishing on a western New York tributary. We all had a great time and caught fish. But my Dad did something that I had really never thought of before. And to this day, have not forgotten. He had found a plastic bag and had filled this little bag with trash he found along side the stream while we fished. It wasn’t much, but he did something! More than the rest of us had done. Imagine if we all could do just a little something like that every time we went fishing. Would it help to make a difference? The answer is an easy one for me. It would be YES! Just like releasing fish that we catch. Or not taking more than we need. It makes a difference! And just imagine what our kids see. They will follow what we do. They are the next generation of fly fishermen and women. Thanks again for a fantastic read and topic!!
Thanks for writing about your evolution as an angler jer. The circle though, is only in its mid-stages and will get better.
Sight fishing trips bring a fine perspective to angling successes…like having merely watched a fish aggressively chase your fly is often etched in your mind more forcefully than any memory of a blind-cast caught fish.
Sometime, when the Snook are prowling the beach, you and I might get a chance at sight fishing here in Naples. I think you’d enjoy that even more now. Great read.