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The other night just before turning in, I was reading my favorite
fishing author John Gierach. John was recounting a story where he
and his usual fishing partner had taken a newcomer along on a trip.
John had a good day of fishing and quit early, soon to be joined
by his partner.
In the dark
As darkness closed in, and the blackness enveloped them, they could
hear the newcomer down below, casting to rising fish. Now when you
are fishing by Braille, you are going to miss a lot of fish, and
the newcomer was missing lots, and the (expletive deleted) content
of his mutterings was rising to a fever pitch. John and his partner
waited patiently. Finally two hours later, the newcomer felt his
way back to the truck.
Reflecting on the story, I thought that could have been me. Dawn
to dusk, taking no time to eat, shoulders aching from the casting,
driving home barely able to keep the eyes open, and going to work
the next day. Like the newcomer above I didn't know when to quit.
Knowing when to quit can take on a lot of variations. Of course,
when I talk about quitting fishing I am not talking about giving
up fishing. I am only talking about being a little slower, gentler,
more caring, and even happier with a little less, type of fishing.
Numbers
Anglers are by nature into the numbers game. You know, we have
to have the figures to validate the day. For example, you get a
nice fish and you are a happy camper, but if someone else caught
ten fish, does that make it a ten times better day? Often on the
ocean there are so many young salmon around voraciously attacking
everything in sight, and you can't get the tackle down to the Chinook.
Should you keep fishing and possibly injuring the young grilse,
or move on, or try a different method? Do you know when to quit?
Catch and go
If you are on one of our crowded waters and fishing Coho, Sockeye,
Chum or Springs, should you play catch and release when other anglers
are waiting or just catch your fish and go? If you have caught,
and your buddy has not, perhaps it's time to make sure they are
into fresh water or a good holding area. Relax; take the time to
get the camera working, besides, the pictures last a lot longer
than the memory of the fish.
(All previous issues are stored in the ARCHIVE
for your convenience)
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If the aroma of fresh coffee and bacon in the pan
can't move you off the river then you don't know when to quit. If
the wife or girlfriends shouts of 'supper's ready' doesn't pull
you off the river then you definitely don't know when to quit, and
may also have some other problems.
Maybe it is the coming of age, getting older and slower,
wanting more out of the fishing experience, the last shoulder operation
or a myriad of other reasons that has me asking if I know when to
quit.
River Rat Social
Steelhead season is by no means over but it is time for the Steelhead
Society's annual River Rat Social. This is the chance for the regulars,
and visitors to get together, swap a few tales, enjoy some food,
and drinks. There is a talk and slide show by Paul Morrissey on
the 'Rivers of the Gaspe', which should be very interesting. There
will also be the usual door prizes, raffle and silent auction items.
Beautiful art prints and originals, flies, equipment, tackle and
some great donations by local merchants and by some of the steelhead
lodges, make this a must for those of us who love the steelhead,
the rivers and the country, and a chance to give back to the resource
to make sure it is forever available. The River Rat Social is this
Saturday night, October 19; at the Aspen Restaurant anytime after
7 pm. Tickets are only $10. See you there.
Local rivers
Rivers have really dropped this past ten days and are in great
shape. We have had reports from the Lakelse of Coho in the 20 pound
range and very fresh. The Skeena is in good shape and still lots
of fish being taken on the lower river.
Angler numbers have finally tapered off and a little more room
on the popular spots. It is a fantastic time to be on the water,
savor it while you can. Winter isn't too far away.
Enjoy your weekend.
Check the Photo page for
more of Bob's photos.
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