Friday, January 14, 2011

Mike Geisler's guide to fishing

Why are some people better at fishing than others? Practice and passion I suppose. As for me there is more to fishing than just catching a fish. Some days I want to completely dominate fish. Other times I just want to have an enjoyable day on the water. Sometimes it's nice to watch others fish.
   To completely dominate fish is a never ending battle. Something can always be done better. Perhaps a situation calls for lighter line, or a stiffer rod. There are days when fish want fast erratic movements, and the next day fish might like it slow. There are times of the day and moon phases one can pattern. Either way my mind is always working hard to put more fish on the line. Sometimes I'll use a fly or lure that doesn't hook up that many fish for me, just so that I can better learn how to use that bait. Complete fish domination.
   Sometimes it's not as much about catching fish as it is to just enjoy a day of fishing. Fishing a surface lure, or catching a fish on a hand tied fly can make for a great day fishing.  Carrying a lot of tackle can be cumbersome and constantly retying lures is frustrating. To simply carry one rod and a favorite topwater plug is as cool as a summer breeze. Watching a few fish show interest to a hand tied mouse pattern is fun. If the fishing is no good maybe take a nap. To catch lots of fish can be a daunting task, but to simply enjoy the day is always an achievable goal.
   Watching others fish can be both educational and fulfilling. What happens when you have both caught lots of fish, and had lots of wonderful fishing memories... you take someone else fishing. Showing others to fish has taught me a lot. How to be patient, how to be ethical to nature, and how to catch more fish. Not to mention I've had the honor of taking my dad and my daughter fishing. I proposed to my wife on a fishing trip. Now I get to watch the ones I love fish.

   That's it, Mike Geisler's guide to fishing, not catching. For me it's never been just about catching a fish. How could it be when there is so much more.
  

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