Here are my 6 reasons I think you should try fly fishing at least once before you die…
- First, there is the thrill…Knee deep in the water is very exciting—focusing and navigating through the hidden terrain created by rocks, underwater logs, and with the currents pressing you into their will creates an adventure.
- Solitude or camaraderie? Fly-fishing can be done by yourself, with a friend, partner or your best dog.
- Third is the promise of the Unexpected. With the fly on your reel mimicking the natural movement of the smallest terrestrials and aquatic insects rising and falling the overture is made. Each presentation bodes a new adventure…Will the fish respond? Will he eat, protect?…Or could it be you are just annoying with the constant casting into his or her face?
- Fourth is the introduction to locales off the beaten path. As a fly fisher, I’ve waded and splashed through waters throughout the western US. From the Madison River at Three Dollar Bridge outside west Yellowstone Montana to Ahwahee Reservior tail water in the high desert of Oregon. I’ve sought the perfect “fish story” and each backdrop (environment) has its own identity making each trip unique and part of me.
- Being quiet. Your focus becomes your surroundings. Your presence is immaterial to this place.
- My sixth and last reason is the Connection to Nature. This is my most important reason. Immersed in your chosen waters, you become engaged by nature. Sometimes it’s the rush of the current falling off mid-stream stones in white water. Or you may find a preference for calmer waters and the rhythm of the water lapping against the shore. Whichever it is, take your time to feel, smell and observe this natural setting. You are not just sharing this experience with the fish. When you become invisible things happen!Life is in the sky and in the brush…… from the bald eagles soaring above to an array of four-legged mammals moving about in their daily quest to find sustenance. This is an opportunity for you to witness all—birth, play, survival and death – in its purest form. Through this window you get to see it all (happen)!
Fly fishing has become my place I can always “go home to.” I look at my schedule as a day-to-day provider for my family and I carve out days or weeks on the calendar for fishing. It is during this recreational time where I am truly able to re-create my energies and revive my soul. This scheduled re-creating time, this (my) epiphany with nature, in turn gives more purpose and focus to my day-to- day activities. In general, it can be said playing with the fish simply makes me a better human.
