ORI don't get as upset as I used to when I get skunked. I think it's because I spend so many days on the water now - averaging about 60 a year. I know that if today was a rough outing, there will always be tomorrow, often times quite literally. Plus, I try really hard not to prescribe to the philosophy "you are only as good as your last game" when it comes to fly fishing. I try to look at the broader picture, the patterns that form. You know as well as I do that there are tougher waters than others to fish, that there are tougher seasons than others to fish, and there is more dumb luck (both good and bad) involved in fly fishing than we all care to admit. Sometimes "Fish Win!"
On the other hand, the three things that get to me more than the occasional skunking are: 1. losing nice fish to poor fishing tactics; 2. getting skunked repeatedly in a series of outings; 3. watching everyone around you land hogs and not getting a fish.
And to add to "The River Runs Through It" screenplay highlights reel..."What do you say you and me go out again tomorrow and wipe this one off the books." Nothing cures a good skunking like the anticipation of heading back out on the water the next day.
On the other hand, the three things that get to me more than the occasional skunking are: 1. losing nice fish to poor fishing tactics; 2. getting skunked repeatedly in a series of outings; 3. watching everyone around you land hogs and not getting a fish.
And to add to "The River Runs Through It" screenplay highlights reel..."What do you say you and me go out again tomorrow and wipe this one off the books." Nothing cures a good skunking like the anticipation of heading back out on the water the next day.
So, cheer up friends! When you happen to get skunked, as many of us do...just remember that there is another day...and having a positive attitude as you go out the next time will be much better than a "stinkin'" attitude! And if the "Fish Win", just turn around and give the fish a salute and say "You won this round, see you next time!"
Love it. Not that I ever get skunked...
ReplyDeleteI often think that the fish are a lot cleverer than us fisher folk with our fancy flies. My personal theory is that they select a few sacrificial fish to take one for the team when we show up. If we catch a few every now and then it stops us from showing up with the TNT.
ReplyDeleteI also read in the newspaper today that some kid in the US poisoned three gold fish because he didn't want any witnesses to the burglary he was committing. I think that kid knew already how clever fish can be.
Josh ~ Good luck with HB309...
ReplyDeleteAFA ~ Clever little "buggers"!
Nothing like the smell of fresh skunk in the afternoon. It boils down to the 3 Ps. Patience, persistence, and perseverance. The positive attitude is a must too. A good skunking always makes me want to go back that much more and try again.
ReplyDeleteIt happens to us all. Sometimes we learn from it, and then there are times if there were a 100 trout in front of us, we couldn't get one to eat the fly.
ReplyDeleteWow is this passion not great.
Mark ~ I like the 3 P's...I know I have the last two! Lol.
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt ~ I don't know if I could turn my back on 100 trout and go home...that would be a "reel" test!
good read, ummmmmmmmm... uninspiring though to the fullest extent I might add. Well, other than that bit about doing it again tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteGood post! I never let the skunk bring me down :)
ReplyDeleteI've been lacking patience lately which seems to affect the persistence part.
ReplyDeleteWe had an unofficial saying at the last place I worked. "Low expectations don't disappoint."
ReplyDelete"Fish Win"... nice perspective on the skunk.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that if the "Fish Win" again anytime soon, I will remember all of the above...except I'm not sure about the lower expectations...Thx, Howard! Haha
ReplyDeleteThat is a term I have repeated many a time before while fishing, and, frequently over on my blog.
ReplyDelete"Sometimes The Fish Win." That is why they call it fishing and not catching. Good points, RD.
Mel ~ I thank you for reminding me of that fact...that sometimes, they do win...when we can admit it and be honest with ourselves that the fish did indeed win, it just feels better!
ReplyDeleteAll is fair... :)
If I have learned anything about skunks and fishing, it is that you need to kill the skunk and leave it's body laying on the ground to rot. It serves as a warning to future skunks that may want to crash the party! It's not pretty...but it works!
ReplyDelete