I’m not talking about greenbacks here. I’m referring to the occasional benefits reaped from the fishing stream, despite myself. Those who venture into the stream often face challenges that provide many lessons in life. Certainly patience, preparation, and dealing with adversity are among these lessons. I have had an ongoing battle, so to speak, in a specific fishing hole within a particular small fishing stream. The operative word here is “small.” As such, the downed trees and branches create obstacles that while they make great habitat for the local fish, they make it nearly impossible to attain a clean catch. I am happy to report that after much frustration and lessons learned, the 3rd time was a charm for this persistent fisherwoman! Yes, persistence finally paid off.
My first experience with “the one that got away” in this location was 2 years ago when I hooked a big Brown, which wound itself relentlessly around the underwater structures. I approached the entangled trophy, heart pounding, and quickly assessed the situation. It was at that moment that I realized I had forgotten my net. How was I to unwind this incredible fish from the contorted structures below? I wrapped my hand around the fish… yes, he was actually in my hand. As I pondered my next step, I also discovered just how “slippery when wet” a fish can be. With a powerful thrust, my trophy slipped right out of my hand. The force of his movement was such that the hook came off my line. This fish would now be adorned with a hook pierced lip. I have not forgotten my net since that fateful day.
Fast forward a year later. I approached this segment of the stream with much respect and trepidation. It would be here where I would experience “the one that got away” encore, and mind you, this would not be a celebratory moment. This time, I most definitely had my net on hand, though I would not get a chance to use it in said acquisition. Instead, just as my hopes soared and the excited reeling began, and he was a fighter, it just as quickly ceased as I felt a sudden snap. My line had become tangled and was once again minus the hook. What are these things anyway, souvenirs for the trout kingdom? To the victor, or fish in this case, go the spoils? I was exasperated. This had indeed become personal. Would I ever find success in this fishing hole?
Last week, the big pay off finally came and it was when I was least expecting it. When I entered the stream, I initially slowly moved down stream to give some time for the “hot area” to chill, perhaps take the panic out of the local fish in this prospective honey hole. I’d had only a few nibbles and had caught just 1 little small mouth bass, so my expectations were low. It was even quite sunny out, not ideal fishing conditions. So I attempted to hide in the shadows. After some time, I turned around and started heading slowly back up stream until I got to my point of entry, which was about 15 to 20 yards from the scene of the previous losses. It was almost enough to trigger fishing PTSD. And then it happened. I cast my line upstream, healthy crawler in place, then felt that familiar tug. I flipped my wrist, felt the connection, then began to reel, rather quickly, I might add. Since I’d previously been stung by the rabbit hole of structural entanglement, my efforts were to avoid this at all costs. When I saw that mighty fish, an 11 inch Brown Trout I would soon learn, I was overjoyed! But it was still not over. I had to net that prize, so we weren’t there yet. I lifted my net from my wader belt, my heart racing, mouth dry, and then… he was mine! Oh happy day! He had swallowed the hook, and though he fought, I fought harder and was finally rewarded for my persistence. So many lessons learned along the way. I have to say that it was worth the wait.
Author showing her bountiful harvest
What a divine lunch I enjoyed the next day, which included a very healthy portion of protein and omega 3 fatty acids! God is great, God is good, and I was thankful for my food!
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