Am I GOOFY?

[Gigmaster]

If you have to ask.......

[DG]

The problem with catching the fish of a lifetime is...what do you do tomorrow?

If the point of all this isn't having fun (and what defines that is up to YOU), why bother?

As for being goofy, aint none of us normal. Except for me.

[Byron haugh]

Bob Jacklin fishes every chance he gets when not guiding, and he will be 70 this month. There's always another "fish of a lifetime" out there that beckons one back to the stream.

The point is: it's not an "either/or" proposition. Fishing is fun whether you catch big fish, or little fish, or no fish. But, there is something a little extra special about hooking a really big fish.......

[Marco]

I have to add that like Mr. Jacklin ( heretofore unknown to me) ,if I hooked into a 23" trout in my normal fishery, I would be equally elated and would certainly NOT cut the line in order to maintain my 22" statement. I merely state that if there came about an opportunity for me to travel to a fishery , even for nada, that contained 50" trout and THAT was the purpose of the trip, I could easily pass,. Therefore , onaccounta my "longer arms" statement, AM I GOOFY?

Mark
PS: Also, unlike Mr. Jacklin, had I been the "lucky" one, THAT fish would certainly have been released and my arms, such as they are, would certainly be able to "describe" it's size more "accurately"

Mark

[Byron haugh]

Merry Christmas!

PS. Why Wyoming?

[FishnDave]

My thoughts align similarly with WarrenP and James Smith.
I don't need to catch BIG fish to have fun. Just last week I had plenty of fun going to a local pond to catch 5"-6" crappies.
Big fish are special, no doubt. Whether fishing for them or not, when you catch one, its an adrenaline rush. Who doesn't like that?

I have plenty of good memories from this past fishing season. Some memories were of big fish and epic battles, some were beautiful little sunfish, some were fish that managed to get away. They all put a smile on my face.

[Byron haugh]

Fish dave,
Agree. Like I said, it's not an "either/or" proposition. You can have fun fishing and catching no fish, small fish, or big fish. But, there is certainly nothing wrong - or to be avoided- about catching big fish. They can magnify the experience!

[herefishy]

Fishin's fun, but catchin's more fun!

[Ed_D]

I have to add that like Mr. Jacklin ( heretofore unknown to me) ,if I hooked into a 23" trout in my normal fishery, I would be equally elated and would certainly NOT cut the line in order to maintain my 22" statement. I merely state that if there came about an opportunity for me to travel to a fishery , even for nada, that contained 50" trout and THAT was the purpose of the trip, I could easily pass,. Therefore , onaccounta my "longer arms" statement, AM I GOOFY?

Mark
PS: Also, unlike Mr. Jacklin, had I been the "lucky" one, THAT fish would certainly have been released and my arms, such as they are, would certainly be able to "describe" it's size more "accurately"

Mark

No Marco, you are NOT Goofy. I've seen you. Your ears are much to short for you to be Goofy. You aren't Mickey Mouse, either.

We fish for different reasons. Some want to catch as many fish, or as many of a certain sort of fish, as they can. Some want to catch the biggest fish they can. Some want to catch as many species as they can. Others set different goals. Enjoying the peaceful, calming time on the water with others whom you like and with whom you feel comfortable is as valid a goal as any. You go out with friends, or make new ones. You cast flies to rising fish or to likely haunts of fish. Things happen. Events occur. Stories are born. Some stories grow to the status of legends, at least in our own lives. We are enriched in ways a ledger cannot understand.

As for me, my goal remains to catch a less-than-one-inch-long trophy creek chub. I have come close. I have the one-weight rod. I have the tiny hooks. Some day, I might achieve my goal. I want to catch my trophy on a dry fly. I don't care whether I'm viewed as Goofy or not. Personally, I really enjoy being out and splashing around in the water. Those who have seen me "wade" will be able to verify that.

Regards,
Ed

[Marco]

Gentlemen,
Needless to say, I'm relieved you have possibly postponed my self imposed exile into "the home" of frustrated fly fishermen. I now recall, about 30 years ago, an invitation from a Canadian friend to join him in Nova Scotia for some HUGE Brook trout possibilities. Granted, there were more considerations then , but the lure of the "monsters" even then, was not enough. Oh yes, I almost forgot, there was also some murmur of divorce if I chose "wrong".

Mark
PS: "why Wyoming" Byron , you must have never been there . Also it's my Alma Mater UW in Laramie a few years ago. Left my heart there.