Fishing – My Decent Obsession

Fishing – My Decent Obsession

After several sequential summers spent in the Eastern Sierra and the never-ending photos of trout, me with trout, hubby with trout, and scenery shots on Facebook, people have started to wonder if I really like fishing that much — or, if they know I DO like it that much – then, why?

Fishing Like A Girl

Granted, it’s a sport (or, in my case, an obsession) that caters more to men than women. You don’t see pink fishing poles in the Bass Pro Shop or clothing that looks girly. Fish are slimy and you have to get your hands wet and sometimes dirty in order to catch them. Some of the bait smells bad. Hooks are sharp and line gets tangled. And when you do catch a biggie, the assumption often is made that your man caught it. (Don’t get me started …)

Nevertheless, I’m here to celebrate the joys of fishing.

Not Just for Introverts

First, fishing appeals to my introvert personality. (It’s not just for introverts, though).  I adore being alone on the water, or on a stream. I’m in my own head and in order to catch fish, I need to pay attention to my line. The sounds of the rushing water fill my ears and I’m in the moment with nature, God, and my goal.

Second, there’s a rush when that line jerks, and a bigger rush, like some kind of weird conquest, when I land the fish. If it’s small and uninjured, I release it back. That feels good too.

Third is the joy of being a part of nature, even if just for a few hours. Beside the fish, I’m with deer coming to the edge of the lake for a drink.  I’m next to bald eagles, watching from the top of a pine tree for something to eat. I’ve seen coyotes roaming through the woods, an osprey circling the cove, and chipmunks scurrying across my path.

The common denominator …

is the water. Last year I started fishing from a float tube, and it just doesn’t get better than that.  You’re on/in the lake, clothed to stay warm and dry, going to whatever spot you choose with the sun on your face, a pole in your hands, and hope in your heart that you’ll land a big one. This year, I got a 4-pounder. That’s a pretty big trout.

Last, is the enjoyment of eating the fish, especially when shared with others. We often put our catch in the smoker and then have folks over for “cocktail hour” at our fifth wheel. Other times we prepare the whole fish and cook it on the grill.  The new recipe we came up with this year was a huge hit.

One of my bucket list items has been a fishing trip in Alaska – out on the open sea to catch salmon and halibut. There’s just nothing like the wild caught fish from the ice cold waters. This year we did it!  And have 100 lbs. of fillets in our freezer to prove it. And a few pictures too.

So yes, I love to fish. My husband does not drag me out there by my hair. In fact, he usually has to drag me OFF the lake (or stream). I never want it to end. I suppose obsessed is the right word to describe my love affair with fishing. But it’s a decent obsession.

Do you have an obsession?  Care to share about it?