Gone Fishing

You usually see the words “Gone Fishing” in a cartoon strip; on the bumper sticker of an RV, or printed inside one of those “wish you were here” cards. The person has disappeared into a world of rest and relaxation.

Yes, I’ve gone fishing. I’ve left the building. I’m not here; taking a break from all the problems of a hurried world. I’m fishing; slumbering in a makeshift hammock; pole propped up against some rocks; waiting, waiting, and more waiting; snoring, snoring, and more snoring. That’s the fantasy version. Now let’s see what fishing really is.

What I’m going to do is catch a creature that I can’t see. He lives in a different element; I’m on the land, he’s in the water. The creature has a keen sense of smell, good eyesight, is sensitive to sound and light, and has an analytical brain. The only thing between us is a little hook. That, my friend, is known as fishing.

Sport fishing is full of suspense and surprise. In order to nab this creature, I have to think like him. I’ll have to know all about his environment; water. Where is the current? Is it down deep in the river, or closer to the surface? Is it strong and swift, or just a slow meandering flow? What about temperature? This will determine his eating habits; and the size of his appetite. I’ll have to put all this information together to increase my chances of catching a fish.

What about bait? I’ll have to be conscious about covering that glint of the hook. There’s a right way to bait a hook, and wrong way. And then there’s an array of food.

This is a mental game; not for the lazy mind. You’ll have to use your best resources and knowledge to outsmart a fish; it requires patience and perseverance. The waiting can be tedious, but if you’ve done your homework, you’ll eventually make that catch.

The fundamentals of fishing can easily be applied to all the challenges in life. First, there’s the learning curve; what am I trying to accomplish and where do I go for the data? What kind of water am I fishing in? Do I want to fish the wide open ocean, a stream; a small lake? What kind of fish am I after? What kind of things do I need; what should I include in the tackle box?

Another great feature about sport fishing is that Zen moment; that in between time when you’re just waiting; anticipating; watching the water and contemplating the whole of nature and how everything comes together so perfectly. Water has this soothing effect on the soul. I don’t understand it, but I like it.

So, I think I will “Go Fishing” as the sign says. But I won’t be in a hammock, and I won’t be snoozing under the trees along the stream. I’ll be trying to catch a fish.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Nancy Ayash is a freelance writer currently residing in the Pacific Northwest.www.creativewordz.com

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