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It looks like it's time again to bring up a few things which might
save you from some grief. Things that can go wrong but might
be prevented. There is a report on here that brings up the subject.
A lady was parted from the company of her longtime friend, her
landing net. Now, darn it, these things become personal. They
are part of our 'stuff'. The various bits of tackle which make up
the whole. To lose one is not just regrettable for the monetary
value, but the emotional attachment can be very strong. We got
into this recreation to avoid stress and distress, let's not do things
that add to them if we can help it.
Oh yes, the net thing. I can see how it could happen, especially if
you are an old-timer'. Do you remember those horrid elastic chords
that landing nets used to come with. The loop was big enough that I
would put one arm through it and have it hanging off my shoulder. I
think I remember one I had that was colored green for some reason.
In a stream it (after it had been around a while would get caught in
the current and keep tugging at me as it tried to go downstream). Lovely
distraction.
You do remember walking through the branches stream side and having
it get caught on a twig, right? Zing-a bats! Like a slingshot, it would extend
and then release from the snag and come at me like a somewhat
guided/unguided missile. If you have not been there, it's worth buying
one just for the experience. It could be deadly though, be careful. Do
not try it alone.
That was upgraded to the 'snap-to-the-neck-loop-behind-me' method.
That little loopie thing which hangs from the back of any civilized fly fishing
vest type garment. I would snap the net to it and then defy contorsionism
to get the thing unsnapped while trying to manage a fish which desperately
needed netting. That practice had to end. And it did.
With the neat 'rare-earth-magnets' which a very kind person sent up two
pair of. Very strong and well made. Look kewl too, kinda
'with-it-and-in-the-know' of modern flyfishingness these days. I so far
have never lost a net because they came unhooked, or however they
get loose from a person. I immediately tied a string from the net to a snap
which goes to me. Darn nuisance, you bet, but, better than having my net
go off by itself. I had not read any propaganda about how well they held
so I didn't know any better, I tied a string on it.
Keys. I have mentioned this before but it is time to do it again. Think roof
of the car. When I get to a place where I am going to fish, I get out of the
car and toss my keys on the roof. After I am all geared up, I walk around
the car one time (more on that later) and then tell my wife, "Ok, keys going
into my wader pouch (or whatever pocket)". After that is done, I press the
lock all button on the inside of the door and shut it.
When I get back to the car from fishing, I dig out my keys, unlock
everything and toss them back on top of the car. They stay there
until I have taken 'a walk all around the car' one last time before
we pull out. When the circle has been performed, I grab the keys
and we take off.
We have four of those small C shaped magnets. Once the rods are
joined we lay them on the roof and hold them in place with two of
the magnets each, unless of course there is a very strong wind blowing.
If you have to, stand the rods up by a rear door and hold in place with
the magnets. A little thought and you can even suspend the rods by having
the stripping guide above the lowest magnet.
These things will help keep you from locking yourself out of your car,
driving off and leaving rods or other gear on top or elsewhere losing
landing nets and forgetting to lock your car when you go to the stream.
Lastly, use a wading staff. The peace of mind they produce is more
than enough to cover whatever the cost. True that they tug a bit in the
current depending on how fast the stream might be and how you have
them fastened to you, but, I know this has happened to you. You wade
out or along and farther and farther and then you realize that, "darn, that
looks a bit spooky getting back . Just how did I get here anyway?" And
oh yes, pull all, make that all of the leader out of the end of your fly rod
with your left hand while you are stringing it up. Not just some and then
point the rod up and jerk the rest out. Number one reason rod tips break.
~ James Castwell
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