Why do we as fishermen keep casting and swinging when it seems as if the last grab you had was months ago?
Why do we keep fishing,exploring new runs and covering others that always produce without getting even a sniff?
Why do we drive late into the night and early into the morning to fish rivers and places that may or may not produce a steelhead on a swung fly?
Why do we obsess about flies,lines,leaders rods and reels like a mother over a newborn baby?
Why do we let our fishing obsession spill over into our home life and sometimes strain relationships,finances,and vehicle longevity?
Why don't we take up golf instead?
The reason is simple.The steelhead has gotten into our soul, it has become part of us. We don't know where it ends and where we begin. Our past random encounters with this fish have stayed with us and we can't forget the feeling of being connected to one.The lightning bolt feel of being tethered to a wild fish with nothing more than a few ounces of gear in hand is hard to describe to someone who does not know. You would be hard pressed to find a fish with the fight and beauty that steelhead offer. It is one of God's most amazing animals,it's life cycle and range in the ocean is still almost a complete mystery.It is unmatched in the piscatorial world. The locations and surroundings in which these fish can be found are legendary. The brotherhood of like minded individuals is the glue which keeps this pursuit alive.Knowing there are others as afflicted with this obsession as we are is comforting sometimes.We fish for steelhead because it is inside us now. There is no going back,there is no giving up. There is no other fish or compromise that satisfies as the steelhead does. Each fish is special and we cherish each one when it comes.
As much as you want to quit it all sometimes and do something else, you can't. It's ingrained in you now, you can't shake it.
Don't even try..........
When you are walking the paths and enjoying the pursuit of these fish remember from whom these great gifts come.Celebrate the Creator,the giver of all good things.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
Excellent! That's how it is too - deep in the soul.