Fixing to go airborne. Photo By: Louis Cahill
Sometimes we’re called upon to risk our safety and health to increase our chances of landing those trophies on the water. Whether your situation calls for jumping off a boulder into waist deep rapids or crossing a swift section of treacherous river to chase after that big fish, the decisions we make in those adrenaline packed moments ends up defining us as anglers. How far are you willing to go to land a big fish? When I hook a big fish, I instantly look at it like a chess match between angler and fish. I’ll run my ass off hopping boulders, or do a Bear Grylls (Man vs. Wild) slide down a steep bank to win the battle. It’s truly what I love about fishing, and it’s the closest thing I have in common with outdoor thrill seekers, like skydivers and rock climbers. I know one thing, when you hook a big fish and you shy away from the risky actions needed to land it, you’re choosing to miss out on what I thinks the most rewarding part of fly fishing; the battle.
My reward for risking it all. Photo Louis Cahill
I wish there was a way for us all to go back and capture our epic battles on video from the past. We could have some of the best entertainment at our fingertips and have a blast giving props to each others wins on the water. Can you imagine how great it would be for the fly fishing industry to use this footage to promote and bring in new anglers? That would be sweet, wouldn’t it? I”m going to make a point to carry my waterproof goPro camera more this year. In the mean time, I’ll have to figure out how I can convince Louis to jump off boulders after big fish.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to land a big fish?
Keep it Reel,
Kent Klewein Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
I smell a photo essay contest. Life? Or Legend? The basic risks that my wife knows of how and where I fish sometimes keep me home when I’m partnerless. Her fear is of something happening and no one finding me. Funny how her fear is my hope, if I’m to bad to get out on my own then personally I would rather go to that big spring creek in the sky directly from a stream or one of the many things that encompass a stream. If she only knew how many more risks get taken when fishing with a partner.
Well, I am not proud to admit it but one time I had a huge fish on my line and I had just brought the thing into ankle deep water. Right when I was about to scoop him up with my net the line broke. The fish and I both looked at each other for a fraction of a second. He took off and I dove face first with the net fully extended out in front of me trying to net him in the shallow water. It was instinct…I came away with bruises and no fish.
I love it. You should be proud! Sounds like something I’d do.