|
The LF (my wife) and I were discussing fly fishing a
couple of evenings ago and our conversation led to a
subject we have agreed upon several times. Learning
all about fly fishing too fast is not a good thing,
even though it may seem to be exactly what each of
us are after.
It's kind of like if two aspirin are good for you why
not a whole bottle? If driving sixty gets you there
fast, why not a hundred and twenty? Some things just
should not be done fast. How can learning fly fishing
really fast be a bad thing? Because it is not fishing,
it's 'fly fishing.' And they are not the same thing,
not even close actually.
Oh, you may have started out thinking one was just an
extension of the other at first. Perhaps it was, when
you first used a fly or a fly rod. You were just fishing
using a fly instead of a worm. Then you expanded to using
various types of flies. Then you discovered 'fly fishing.'
You realized that fly fishing is not just fishing with a
fly, but is in reality, a whole new recreation.
One of the elements of fly fishing is the constant
learning process. Not so with just fishing, or even
just fishing using a fly. Fly fishing is a process.
One that you will never know all of. And that's not
a bad thing. It's a good thing. It's what keeps us
coming back for more. In fact, without it, we would
quit.
"Whoa there JC, did you say quit?" Indeed I did. It
has happened to several fly fishers over the years.
Here's kind of how it goes. You find a stream you
really like and have easy access to. Hours and days
are spent, season after season, until you know each
fish by name. You actually name 'ld Herman' over there
under that slanted log sticking out from the far side
bank. When the insects hatch and the spinners fall you
are right there, ready and geared up with the exact
imitations. Catching fish becomes simple. You know
where they are, what they want for diner, you have
it and offer it, they rise to it and you feel guilty
because you have interfered with their day and needlessly
caused them to expend energy and got nothing back for it
other than a sore lip.
So, where's the fun. Where is the challenge? Why bother?
When there is nothing more to learn there is no point to
fly fishing. Be grateful that you don't know it all, yet.
It is a journey, a way of life, a system of ethics, it's
a discipline for a lifetime.
So, don't be in such a hurry to learn all the tricks of
the trade. Take your time and enjoy the trip. The thrill
of discovery is part, the anticipation of the day, the
trip, the rise, the take, the hook-set, the...
The magic of it all. The magic is in the journey, not the
destination. Don't ask how the Magician saws the pretty
lady in half. Just know that at the end of the day, all
will be well. And you will be glad you do not know it all;
there is still more to come. ~ JC
|
