…Fishing Isn’t As Boring As You Think
1. Most people think that when you fish, all you really do is sit around, get a tan and drink beer. The truth of the matter is that fishing can be quite meditative. Sitting in the middle of a secluded lake, disconnected from the rest of the world, gives one a chance to reflect and clear your mind. And there is a certain poetry in the act of casting, particularly that for fly-fishing. The elegance of feeding out a line takes years to perfect and can only be achieved when you focus your mind on only the rod in your hand.
2. For city dwellers, it is not often enough that your we get back in touch with nature. To some, this is torture. Why would you put yourself in a place that is void of cell phones and broadband connections? But there is something primeval and elemental about doing so. Not only does it remind us of where we came from, but also what we really need to live and survive.
3. Whether or not the fish are biting, you get a chance to connect with those out there with you in a circumstance that you might not otherwise get. You can talk about about anything. Or you don’t have to talk at all. And there’s always stories to tell over a beer at the end of the day. Bonding can take many forms. That’s the beauty of it.
4. If you’re lucky enough to catch the big one, there is a certain amount of ego and bragging rights involved. Maybe it goes back to the notion of being a “provider” or boost you get from the trophy catch. Regardless, it feeds to ego and is good for the soul. And given that there is always a bit of luck involved, nobody really feels jealous or envious. Maybe they wished is was them, but there’s never any ill feelings.
5. Nobody really knows what goes on during fishing trips or whether any fish were actually caught, and this makes for all sorts of tall tales. “Oh, the one that got away!” A little imagination goes a long way and covers up for the fact that all you did was sit in a boat, tan and drink beer. Oh, wait…
