By Justin Pickett
Many people respond with bewilderment and even cringe when they realize how early I’m willing to rise “just to go fishing.”
I smile and attempt to explain, but it just isn’t possible for those who have never experienced the predawn hours, like I have, to truly understand why. It’s for this moment….
When the first streaks of sunlight pierce through a dense canopy of ancient Hemlocks, casting a bluish glare on the water. The dark of night fades to a velvety purple before being overtaken by a deep, brilliant blue. Shadows recede to reveal a most brilliant palate of colors. Bluebirds and Swallows begin their morning songs as a gobbler sounds off in the distance. The once invisible babble of the creek comes to life as the first risers poke their noses through the foam. The scampering of squirrels bounding around the wispy fog on the forest floor. Everything around you springing to life as if the sun was the heart, and the flora and fauna the lifeblood, nourishing this beautiful body of a planet that we call home. Nature unadulterated. A moment such as this calms my soul, rejuvenates my mind, and enriches my life. And this is why I am an early riser.
Justin Pickett Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
Just beautiful. A painting done with words.
How much of that feeding is happening through the night versus at first light.? Here in Michigan we get a different river after dark. It’s crazy. AM hatches aside the trout are on the prowl.
Fishing at dawn also adds an element of safety in the sometimes sketchy urban environment where I target stripers and smallmouth. Crazy people and opportunistic criminals don’t get up early.
Amen!!!
Nice, poetic writing!