FlyFishing Wisdom

[JimBob]

Based on my years of flyfishing experience, I have compiled a list of just some of the many lessons I have learned - most the hard way, which I would like to share, in hopes that they may be of interest to others. It is an ongoing list, and I am sure most of you have many of your own....
(In no particular order):

If they were hitting yesterday, you're one day too late
Don't ever believe fishing reports from newspapers
You only need about 1/4 of the stuff in your vest
Fishing in thick fog is really cool
The cost of fly tying equipment and materials will never equal the cost of buying flies (buying them is cheaper)
Don't try to figure the cost (in equipment, gas, etc.) per fish caught. You will not like the answer
It is extremely rare to go an entire trip without swearing at least once
If you bring a net, you won't need it, but if you don't, you will
If you spend more time getting there than actually fishing, it better be worth it
It is great fun to browse in a very old tackle shop
Drinkin' and fishin' rarely go well together
Don't try to fillet fish after more than 4 beers
Always carry band-aids
Fish blood and your blood look the same. Check for cuts and loose hooks
If you fish during deer season, remember: arrows are silent, and never get a tree branch stuck in your hat
If you hear gunshots, get the hell outta there. Do the same for lightning.
Fishing rod = lightning rod
The places you fished as a kid are now much smaller
Streams change their course over the years
The fish were always bigger years ago
Treasure every moment spent outdoors
Backpacking fishing trips are great. If the fishing sucks, at least you've been hiking
When hiking into a remote stream, make sure you have enough daylight to hike back out
If it rains, so what? It's only water. Does not apply to falling in
Always know how deep the water is before wading into it
The farther you are away from your car, the more likely your tackle will not work
Always know where your rod tip is before closing car doors, trunks and windows
If you're playin' hookie from school, don't go home smelling of fish
If you call in sick to go fishing, do not get sunburned
When taking small kids fishing, don't bring a rod for you (you will never get to use it)
To a small boy, bugs are more interesting than fish
It is a great milestone (for you) when your wife and kids can finally cast, tie on hooks and unhook fish on their own
If you lend a rod to a friend, you will get it back broken, and lose a friend
Never lend your favorite rod to anyone! ever!
Never get rid of your old tackle. It will one day be "Vintage"
Never (and I mean NEVER) put a tackle box on the roof of a car
When leaving the car, make sure that the trunk is closed
Always go to the bathroom before you get on a boat
Overturned trash cans = bears
Always remember to buy your fishing license before going fishing
Fish & Game wardens like to fish too, and are always on duty
Never bring beer to a State Park
Rats live near water
Herons eat trout... lots of them
Snapping turtles bite and Musk turtles stink
If a bluefish can instantly bite a baitfish in half, it can probably do the same to your fingers
There are many similarities between muskies and alligators
Never take a reel apart over water
to be continued.....