Fly Fishing

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

I must be first to admit, I was lured into the idea of the "east coast vs. west coast" biggest fish competition. then, i went to bed and woke up this morning with a feeling that i did not like.

Fly fishing for me is about experiences, relaxation, learning, traveling, meeting new people, getting away from people, photo/videoography and it is a creative outlet that is essentialy free and it sooths my soul. when i get on the water...all of the real world trials and tribulations disapear...there is no technology, no cell phones, nothing to pay for, no lines to wait in, no rules. i am free to go where i want (within reason) and basically move about the waters without anything on my mind.

So - I will admit that it all sounded fun for a few hours....but over the long haul....I don't think it would have been beneficial for me, so I deleted that post.

Personally, I don't want to carry around a measuring device and disrepect the fish that we pursue by placing them on the ground next to some measuring stick. Of course, I love big fish, as much as the next guy...but big fish is only 5% of the things that consitute my passion for fly fishing.

So....I hope everyone understands and does not see my actions as a "Holier than thou" type thing. REMEMBER..I GOT CAUGHT UP IN THE IDEA OF COMPETITION immediately....and added fuel to the fire.....It is a simple matter of how it caused me to feel. I love to get up in the morning and pour a cup of coffe and browse fliesandfins.com....This morning, with all the talk of competition and going back and forth about who's fish are bigger etc........I did not enjoy my morning coffee...

I hope everyone understands. Thanks. Now....I gotta get some worke done so I can get out a little early today and go fly fishing.

MarshallD · Location: Naples, Fl

Jeremy,

I think you are 100-percent correct on the competition stance. As long as I've been guiding there have been guys in the boat who have to constantly focus their energy on catching the "biggest" fish or the "Most" fish and their competition with each other becomes the "end result" of their total experience, cheapening the day. Like kids in a school yard. Bragging, "winner-loser" often brings a swift end to good friendships.

It's slippery. We know we can excell in the competitive event. But we need not ever question our ability! So why do it?

Smile