Stuck in traffic on the way home from work last night I heard a story about fishing. It seemed that the commentator had recently taken up fishing. Or should I say, renewing his fishing life. Like many of us, he fished in his youth. His dad bought a cheap Zebco reel and rod. And took him fishing.

Now, as an adult, he decided to buy his own equipment and start fishing again. Only this time he put a little more money into his fishing rod and reel. So now he was on the water and about to catch a fish. There is nothing like the feel of a fish on the line. I know the experience.

As I listened I also wondered. It's been a few months since I last fished. The memory is vivid. I love being on the water, getting the fly line moving, and waiting for a strike. Every moment may be that moment when a fish takes the fly. Every fisherman knows the sensation.

And yet, catching a fish isn't easy. In fact, it is darn hard. First, the fish have to be in the mood. Since I am capable of snacking almost non-stop, it is difficult for me to imagine that there are times when fish aren't ready to eat. It's so easy for them, too. Especially river fish. They sit in a hole and a conveyor belt of food parades past their noses. And what do fish have, activity wise, to do. It's not like a Nintendo game is keeping them occupied. They can't go shopping. Fish only have a handful of activities available to them. They swim, eat, sleep and make other little fish. Since one of those activities is seasonal (I'll leave it to you to decide which) and one of those activities is integrated into just about everything a fish does (yes, that's swimming) it doesn't leave much else to do. Hmmm, let's see, sleep or eat. Big decision.

Second, you need to know where the fish are. This is a bigger problem. But it's easy enough to overcome. Just ask an expert. There are plenty of fishing gurus available and they are always happy to impart their wisdom.

Third, you have to be where the fish are. This may seem like a restatement of the second point. It isn't. Knowing where the fish are is one thing. I can close my eyes and picture a few great holes on the Provo. I know that fish are swimming there right now. But they are there and I am not. So, getting to the water is an essential component in catching fish.

And, fourth, you need to know what to do when a fish strikes the fly (or the bait, or lure or whatever your using.) This isn't as easy as it may seem. I've seen inexperienced fishermen panic at the strike and yank the line. The outcome is predictable. Fish is gone, fly is gone, fisherman is rerigging for the next five to fifteen minutes. Not a pretty sight.

The best way to overcome strike panic is to catch hundreds of fish. The repetitive action teachs a fisherman what works and what doesn't. Nothing is a better teacher when it comes to catching fish.

And, lastly, playing a fish is a beautiful art. I've seen the overanxious fisherman haul on a fish with repeated force. It's not pretty. And I've watched the experienced fisherman gracefully work a monster trout through rapids, away from sunken logs and brush and masterfully turn its head and land it. This, also, is a skill that develops through the catching of many fish.

And that brings me back to my point. Driving north from downtown SLC on a Friday afternoon with the fumes and noise that only a few thousand of your fellow commuters can produce leads me to a melancholly mood. I recall last time I caught a fish. I recall how I first felt a little tug, how I carefully set the hook and how I let the fish run just a little as I learned about it's size and power. I recall landing that fish and admiring its beauty. And I recall returning it to the water and feeling the satisfaction of letting it go, unharmed and wiser. And I wonder, will I ever catch another fish..........
10:40:22 PM    comment []