Friday, September 28, 2007

Enjoy the walk

Have you ever considered how important the walk to and from a fishing spot is? In my opinion, these walks often contain the best moments of a fishing event even though no fly is cast. This is when angling friends and acquaintances get a chance to speak about stuff.....and not just fishing stuff. These are the moments that we find out what's going on in each others lives. Exchanges happen that can deepen experience and relationship alike. Other than these moments the only words spoken while fishing can be something like "what fly do you have on" or "did you get any hits"? It's possible that no words are spoken at all. Note that the walk is still special even if you are solo. You get to talk and listen to yourself. Enjoy the walk.


Bottom photo - Dave Skok

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I dunno; I enjoy the walk out a lot more than the walk to a spot. The walk in seems to last twice as long, and it's hard to marvel at the scenery overmuch when there are fish waiting.

Call it a character defect...

El Pescador said...

Noted Underground, so I tweaked the piece. Character defect corrected. Have a good weekend.

Anonymous said...

Steve, you are correct. After a while, you remember the "other" parts of the fishing trip, not just the fish.

Recently I had an old friend and a new one come out to visit and we decided to take a trip up to Yellowstone to fish. Arriving at the Bechler trailhead, I sized the other two up to make sure I could run faster than at least one of them, we geared up under clear skies and began our 5 mile hike through grizzly infested woods and meadows. We reach the suspension bridge that crosses a small creek and now all we have to do is cross one giant meadow and the big, fat, unpressured troutfest will begin.

Thats when the clouds roll in, lightning started and we head for cover. After lunch is devoured and the hour long storm passes, we walk down to the river, get the rods rigged, take some photos and start fishing. First cast... a 16" fish pounces on my Harrops Spring Creek Hopper and I miss the hookset. I say to myself, "this is going to be too easy." Stalking the banks for some sippers, I hear a crack, look up and see yet another storm coming our way. Damn it! It starts pouring and we decide that it is time to go back, no use hanging out in storm after storm. Lets go hit the Teton.

Half hour of fishing, more time spent dressing and undressing, and 10 miles of hiking. What was the most memorable part of the trip? Spending time with friends, old and new, showing them a part of my backyard and scaring the hell out of them with grizzly stories and the fact there will probably be one around the next corner.

Coalfish said...

I thought ‘enjoy the walk’ was a clever poetic observation and very true. Taking things for granted is an unfortunate human trait and the stop and smell the flowers concept needs to be pointed out occasionally. Sitting on a river before light with a cup of coffee and a fire, driving/flying to the destination, tying fish food until your eyes are out of focus, going to the local fly shop for a cup of coffee and conversation - imagination, anticipation are good products of Fly Fishing. Carpe Diem

Anonymous said...

Amen! There is nothing like boot leather fishing. You gain a far greater appreciation for your environment on foot.

Subsequently, you gain a far greater understanding of not only the fishing, but that which supports the fishing as well. You miss that perspective once you add the convenience of a motor. The space between the fishing spots starts to loose it importance; a dangerous oversite on many levels.

TOC said...

"Enjoy the walk" There is something really special when walking to a fishing hole, beach, or boat with friends or going solo. The anticpation, the mental side, the visual surroundings and the physical aspect is magical. I guess my point is that the before and after fishing is just as important as when you are in or on water. It's a sensual endeavor that keeps you mentally and physically challenged. Great stuff!

El Pescador said...

It seems like the Enjoy the walk post hit a chord. I'm glad. Thank you all for sharing your stories and insightful thoughts.

bigfatomcat said...

I love the walk to a spot. At times it's for the exercise, others for the scenery (taking a moment to take in the landscape before I delve into fishing), and at other times it's the fact I can catch up with a good friend.