Like many of the regulars that frequent this site, fly fishing is my passion. When you”re not able to partake in something you love, it really can get you down. Recently, I have been dealing with a medical issue that has me thinking my time on the water is limited. After weeks of limping around the house, I just had to get out. I live near the border of NH but mostly fish in ME. NH rivers open Jan. 1st, and many of the big lakes have populations of wild rainbows which run up tributaries in early spring to spawn and follow the suckers for an easy meal. I set out for a river that has been good to me in the past. When I arrived, I found no anglers and low water. It didn”t look promising, but at least I was out. I scanned the shallows for sight fishing ops and came up negative. After working my way up river with no luck, I figured at least I was getting some steelhead practice in. Before my next thought, the indicator went down. I wasn”t really in the game and could tell I didn”t set the hook well. After a few throbs a nice rainbow of probably 2lbs came into view. I could see my egg and new this wasn”t going to last. Sure enough. I limped back to the truck and almost gave up. After a quick break I was back in same hole. On my second drift it happened, and I was ready this time. As my heart was thumping and my rod was bumping, all my recent worries dissapeared. I was focused on landing this one, but some how my mind drifted and I thought about why I love to fly fish. A quick picture and this beauty was gone. I sat down and it came to me. For those few seconds that I am hooked up I escape the human world. Where pressures and fears can take over your mind. These moments help me realize that every day, and every fish, should be cherished. See you on the river and sorry for the sap!