Why do humans from all parts of the world fish? What is so appealing about tossing bait into water and extracting forms of life out of it? Sure, it’s a job to some. But to most it is nothing but a pastime or hobby. There are far more stimulating activities to take part in, so why fish?
I’ve come to learn that for the most part it what you take from the experience rather than the actual activity itself. Yes, there are some times of utter excitement when you fish, such as trophying huge ones and reeling in unexpected things (i.e. snapping turtle, eel, small sharks). This times are quite enjoyable. But this amount of time is but a fraction of the entire day spent fishing. So why do we do it?
There are a number of non-activity related pro’s that come from a day on/near the water. Spending time away from electronics and other distractions with loved ones and good friends is great thing about fishing. Bonding is neccessary to create healthy relationships and fishing is a great way to bond. So next time you feel like your relationship with a sibling, father, son, friend, or anyone else close to you is weakening, go fishing and listen to nothing but the nature and each other.
Then you have your dark side of fishing. The type of fishing that involves excessive amounts of drinking and smoking. Looking for an awesome and cheap day? Just grab a case of beer, a fishing rod, and a close friend then head to your nearest fishing spot. Following these steps: crack open beer, sip beer, put bait on, sip beer, cast, sip beer, chat, sip beer, pack the pipe, sip beer, smoke the pipe, sip beer, chat, sip beer, reel in. Repeating this process over and over again until the sun goes down ensures a great day.
Now after a successful trip, you won’t just have fish and sunburns to show for it. You’ll have stories to share with anyone you see at the lake or river in the future. Things happen all the time down at the water and there’s always people aching to know where the latest fat fish have been caught.
After reading this I hope you re-evaluate the pastime of fishing. If you don’t like it, use it as an excuse to drink and smoke all day with your pals. If you enjoy it already, don’t stop fishing and share your best stories with the people you care about or anyone that seems interested. I’m not a hippie or anything, nature is just too sweet to pass up.
