By Kent Klewein
Have you ever felt like this when you got back to the truck after a long day of fishing?
Giving it my all on the water is a trait I strongly believe in for my fishing and guiding. I always try to make a point to explain to all my clients, that as long as they give it their all on the water, that’s all that really matters. There’s no reason for them to be disappointed about having a slow day on the water or get upset when a big fish fails to eat, so long as they took the time to approach their holes with stealth, made their best presentations, and fine-tuned their rig and pattern choice. After all, that’s why it’s called fishing not catching, right? We can only do so much as anglers, and even when we bring our best, there still will be times when we won’t be able to persuade certain fish to take our flies.
Keep this in mind next time you go out to wet a line. Don’t lose sight of the big picture, which is to always enjoy your time on the water. And don’t fish lazy, try to consistently give it your all when your out fishing. This way, whether you experience that epic day of fishing or not, at least you can walk away guilt-free knowing you didn’t half-ass it on the water. The trout will respect you for it.
I think Andrew Bennett put it best when he said we should always, “Fish hard and rest easy”.
Keep it Reel,
Kent Klewein Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
Really? Simmer down, it’s just fishing. Do it however makes you happy. If you want to “half-ass” it and take pictures of trees, throw rocks, talk politics with your friends, drink too much beer, and catch fewer fish at the end of the day . . . who really cares?
I have to agree with Matt. I remember a quote “If you fish hard what are you going to do easy” I have been fishing for the last 60 years and the older I get the more I enjoy the experience of just being outside (away from CNN) in the sun and wind, bird watching, fish watching and occasionally actually catching a fish or two. I just don’t want to work that hard.
Fish smart – not hard!
Some days I fish hard and some days i just fish and drink. I have a saying: I bring cigars and scotch if the fish don’t bite I drink a little scotch and smoke a few cigars, If the fish do bite I drink a little scotch and smoke a few cigars. Just depends on the mood and the day.
I’m with Terry on this one. I suggest the author take up golf. Golf is where you chase a little white ball around the manicured grass and keep score.Then go back to the club house and brag how you conquered it all while shooting a 45 in nine with no mulligans.
Cast ’til you drop mentality is what’s wrong with the sport. Turning every outing into a para-military experience is the current marketing trend. Sometime I’m happy to be this old.