The last 3 weeks in February were unfishable from a kayak and then I had cataract surgery and had to stay off the water for 4 weeks. Being unable to fish was harder than I anticipated.
I tried to find other things to occupy my time, but even my day dreams revolved around fishing. Digging out weeds became looking down on virgin fishing grounds and pulling up fish after fish. Kind of silly, I know. But it got me thinking of how much fishing enhances my life.
- I’ve always liked looking at fish, in books and in the water, from as far back as I can remember. In Elementary School, when I was sick, home from school, I used to read the Encyclopedia from A to Z about every fish in there. And this was in hard back, before home computers existed. I truly think fishing is in my DNA, being of Japanese ancestry.
- Driving to fishing spots took me to remote areas I would have otherwise not frequented, and I’ve met some awesome people who share the love of fishing and fish.
- Whether it’s wading the flats and tossing lures, or paddling the kayak out to the grounds, being on the water is so soothing and restorative. I believe humans were designed to be outdoors, around nature. That’s why wood and natural stone products are more appealing to us than cement, metal and plastic.
- The tug truly is the drug. While being on the water after being away for a while, feels so amazing, the nibble and pull is what keeps us coming back. Feeling something alive at the end of the line never gets old.
- Bringing in and seeing the fish, whether an oama, papio or monster from the deep, is always exciting. Losing the fish without seeing what it was, leads to the-fish-that-got-away stories and plans on how to get ’em next time.
- Well preserved (bled and iced) fish are greatly appreciated by friends and family who aren’t able to catch fish themselves. With fish not as fresh in the market, and so expensive lately, there’s no better gift than that.
What do you miss when you can’t fish for an extended amount of time?
Here, here! I am reminded of the famous quote by Thoreau: “Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing it isn’t fish they are after.”
Get well!
Fishing the the cure for whatever ails you!
Well written and said. I miss the hunt and catching of bait and turning into a potential Pelagic hook up or Uku hook up. Not being able to share Akule with family and friends. It helps me to stay connected with them where I wouldn’t as much. The stories that follow every trip is priceless.
Yup, fishing and fresh fish are a great connector!
Just a thought I’ve been fishing for about almost 10 years,and I have gained knowledge from my friends about the tides,currents wind,and moon phases. He also told me about fish habits now and then. They have giving me knowledge about the ocean that I can pass on to the younger generation. And yes though compared to the fishermen and women I know(they been fishing longer than me)hehe,I still feel the connection between the ocean and myself. It soothes my soul and when I’m away from the ocean and the fishes I have a restlessness inside me. 🙂
Well said Craig, and I didn’t know it has only been 10 yrs since you started fishing.
-scott