What is it about fishing...

[5-Cents]

What is it about fishing? What is it that makes it so very special for you? What can posses a grown man or woman to spend $1000’s, to get up at ungodly hours, to sit in the rain, snow, wind and heat of the day to catch a fish that we could buy in the store?

What is it about fishing that is so very special?

For me it’s like a religious experience, a labor of love or even something more, something greater. It is the ritual. Getting ready the night before, setting up the boat, getting fuel, getting the rods ready, washing the plugs, tying leaders, curing the herring in that “special” cure, maybe even throwing in a new ingredient that may give me that edge over the next guy.

The night before the excitement runs high. I am in a better mood. How many times have I gone fishing over the years, it must be in the 1000’s but I still have a problem sleeping? I still wake up every couple of hours to look at the clock. I always wake up 10 min before the alarm goes off.

The morning of the house is so quite. Making the coffee and putting it in that trusty thermos, the one made out of steel. Getting the gear in the boat. Don’t forget the bait, the ice, the camera! The drive is so nice, hardly anyone on the road.

Get to the launch and load the gear. For me the smell of the boat is so very powerful. Nothing else in the world smells quite like it. She makes my heart race. I meet my friends and we are off.

What is it about fishing that is so very special?

Getting one of my best friends his first steelhead and then his wife her first steelhead (and fish for that matter) in the same day was awesome!
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Getting my fishing partner since 7th grade his first salmon ever was great!
http://www.ifish.net/uploads/25052062.jpg

Meeting new friends is one of the best things about being on the water!
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The quality time spent with my family is priceless.
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Being on the water puts you that much closer to heaven.
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When I really think about it fishing is really a part of me, something I could never give up because if I did I would cease to exist on some level. It is an adventure that starts over every day, a carnival ride that never gets old. It is something I love and I will pass that love on to my children and hopefully they will embrace it more than I. I think when everything is said and done I am a better person because of fishing.

Here’s to fishing and those fortunate souls that know of what I speak! :cheers:

[Thumper]

Or ....... you could just take up bowling.........

[Hogmaster]

:cheers:

Not to mention you could get yer picture on the cover of the rolling Fishing and Hunting lies!!!

Nice capture, Nickle!

[Jet Drifter]

graemlins/applause.gif Yes Very Nice, I'm with you buddy :cool:
Thank you very much :cheers:

[fishitis]

Well said.

I have experienced the same joy with family and friends when we are camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicing, etc. Being in the out of doors creates a sense of wonder about nature and how peaceful and miraculous it all can be. My kids have renewed my sense of wonder about nature....every little plant and creature is fascinating and deserves to be reflected upon (or played with). Gone are the artificial troubles that plague us at home, work or in the car. Sometimes it is even nice not to be catching fish so you can simply absorb it all. And I believe Oregon is one of the best places to do all these fun things.

5-Cents...your kids look like the same size as mine (4 year old twins, boy & girl). What a wonderful stage of life they are in :grin:

[Mrdorkfish]

5-Cents , very well put....Total Ditto !! My son is finally saying "dad we need to get my license".....And i love to see the smile on my friends or families faces when i bring them a portion of my catch, the friends i have met on the river make me want to be out there just to see them. We have passed eachother once going through Chinook Landing and i hope to hook up this Fall when those Coho are around...great info...Love the pics ! :grin: Keep'm coming :cheers:

Mrdorkfish

Louis

[stick flicker]

Many aspects of our lives these days are not so certain. Dead end jobs, TV, money leave us searching for meaning in our lives. Some find it in god, I choose to find my meaning in fishing. When I pick up a rod and go fishing life's purpose seems clearer. There are no better memories than good fishing trips. The sights,smells, and sounds fo the world seem amplified when in the presence of fish. The other day I was sitting in my friends alumaweld listening to the beatiful sounds the water made hitting the bottom of the boat as we searched for steelhead. Thoughts of many fishing trips began to stir in my mind, my life has been defined by fishing and it is a living part of me. Good fortune comes to those who look for it in the waters of their life. I will fish forever. :smile:

[Navigator]

Great thread! Well said 5-cents. Worth 2 nickels if you ask me.

For me it is about fishing, not catching. It is a passion. I know what to do in my spare time. My kids haven't gotten the fever like I do - but those times they do want to go, we have good times together. My wife and kids are what make me whole - but the part of me that exists because of me is fishing.

[fishchaser]

Now you know why I bought a boat :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Nothing can get you closer to God and Family, than a boat. :dance:

[ 03-05-2003, 07:17 AM: Message edited by: fishchaser ]

[Spoiled Daddy]

5-cents,

I just wanted you to know that between your words and your pics, you are sending me off to work today in a much better mood than I deserve to be in.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

SD

[Stz ll]

Thank you!! Great pictures and post. :cheers:

[TeamYeeha]

Am I mistaken or are those wild fish?

[Fshklr]

5 Cents,
as i read this thread I coulcn't help but feel those heart strings that pull at you like a tear in a sappy movie. Well done..and nice feeesh pics too! :grin:

[Fishslayer]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Great post!

[Hogmaster]

Yeehaw -

I will speak for Nickle on this one -

They are definitely NOT wild fish.

Try to have a nice and unquestioning day!

:cheers:

[cannonball]

Great post Nickle.

I cant think of any other passtime, or addiction, that can make all your worries and problems seem minor and trival. Yesterday Myself and several co-workers were forced to take the day off, with severence. :wink: Spending the remainder of a lovely day on the river cheered everyone up and brought things into perspective. I dont think a game of golf would have done much for us.

Great pictures!

[tag-a-long]

Seeing the smile on a kids face as we hook into a mess of fish. or hearing him say "Dad, that must have been a 10 pounder" as he loses one. Giving some quiet time to the wife when she needs a break from us talking fishing, or taking her along to get some sun on the bank. Carrying on the tradition of teaching my kids to fish like dad and grandpa did for me. Like my brother in law, who is dying of cancer says " Man. we are making memories!!!!!!!"

I do it for alot of reasons, and the price of the fish isn't one of them. Who would pay 60+ dollars a pound for trout or halibut?

And yes, I am Still waiting and trying for my first steelie!!!!!!

[5-Cents]

TeamYeeha,

The only two fish that may have a fin are the two where me and my buddy are wearing shorts. I am sure you know that you can keep wild Chinook in the fall, otherwise all clipped! I keep all the pictures of the wild fish I kill in a different album graemlins/dork.gif graemlins/dork.gif

[Vinny]

. . . . the excitement when the kids catch one,
or the peaceful solitude of being alone on a stream.