Some people who don’t fish think that fishing is lazy or boring. But it is just the complete opposite. There are multitudes of little decisions to be made for each situation. Variables to be considered. And you are never quite sure what choices will make the difference.
Did I cast too high or too long, too far to the right or to the left? Did I retrieve the subsurface fly too slowly or too quickly? Is the color of the dry fly too bright or too dull, is the size too big or too small? Do I stay “here”, or should I go over “there”?
And you know hooking a fish is not just luck, but you do not know by how much. That is why I fish.
It is never exactly the same. Success requires constant readjusting, reevaluation. Because I am never disappointed in the outdoors. Because I don’t expect anything. Because anything is possible, I can be hopeful out there, even if I don’t succeed. Because I know if I just go over there behind that rock or next to that log jam or wade out into that water just a little further it might make a difference. Something might be different. Something I change might lend itself to success.
And if I catch a fish the reward of success gives me great joy, a deep sense of accomplishment, and gratitude for the experience.
Tight Lines,
Kathy Powers
SCFF at-large Board Member
Posted on September 18th, 2025