Getting some ideas

[neilsom]

I wanted to pick your collective brains and ask a question. I want to find out what you would say are life lessons you have learned on the water or fishing.

some that I have.

I learned the value of education after working on a Seiner out of Kodiak Alaska. I left my all night grad party early and when my friends were getting home I was on a boat. Stacking Lead Line you get a lot of time to think.

I learned that sometimes the outcome you want or expect isn't always the best thing. meaning, I have more memories of great fishing trips where we came home empty handed. not the outcome I wanted but in the end better.

I have learned that fishing is the best thing for my marriage. Not because I get away from my wife but my most consistant fishing partner is my father in law. As we develop a better relationship I am better able to understand why my wife does things the way she does. I understand the background of how she was raised.

I can't wait until my son is older I am sure I will learn much more.

What are yours?

[yankemnbankem]

Do NOT leave your favorite fishing pole on the canopy of your boat during high wake.

Go fishing more often, do not hang out on the computer.

Do not pee into the wind.

[SuperT]

Fishing related:

Always attend to/secure your rod. Nothing sucks more than watching your only rig get pulled over the side by a big hungry halibut.

Boating related:

PFD, PFD, PFD, PFD, PFD.

Oh yeah and PFD!

Water related:

NEVER try to body surf on the North Shore of Oahu in February. Unless, that is, you like being picked up 10-12 feet and body slammed into the sand 4 feet under water (See signature!).

[Smj]

The size/cost of your boat directly corosponds to how much water you own.

Smj

[ampersat]

I'd say: forget about what you would do if the conditions were otherwise and focus on what you're going to do about the conditions you have to work with. "If the water were clearer/not so clear", "the if the sun were out/if the sun would just go away", etc. are out of your control, like so many things in life are; what is in your control is what you choose to do about it.

[trap50]

I have also learned "fishing is the best thing for my marriage". My fishing partner is my best friend, my wife. Also keep your ears and eyes open always something to learn. I agree PFD all the way.

[neilsom]

Thanks for the imput so far. I am actually thinking about writing a book using boating and fishing as analogies for life lessons/motivation.

Keep them coming. I agree with and have experienced all of those so far.

Thanks

Mitch

[Thumper]

Socks first. Then boots.