A recent fishing trip reminded me about the challenges and pleasure that the sport can create.
Speaking of fishing as a sport, some people have trouble relating the word "sport" to anything that doesn't involve direct competition, but even fishing can have its competitive moments. Bets are often taken among fishermen regarding which one among them will pull out the most fish or the biggest fish. And who doesn't want to be the first to reel one in?
Many regard fishing as a "game of chance" and feel that it's pure luck that draws a fish to one hook over another. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it takes a great deal of knowledge and experience to know what type of hook and bait should be used, not to mention what method of fishing to employ.
There are so many different ways to fish, depending on what kind of fish you are after - casting, jigging, using a bobber, off-shore trolling, open-water trolling, and fly fishing. There are several kinds of hooks also - spinners, spoons, jigs, crank baits and bottom bouncers, just to name a few.
Bait is one of the more disgusting aspects of fishing but it can be just as vital to your success as any of the other factors. Whether you choose minnows, worms or leaches depends, mostly, on the type of fish you are after. In my opinion, no fish is worth touching a slimy leach!
Finding the right spot to fish is also vitally important. A good bet is to go where you see a lot of other people fishing.
Patience is another challenging aspect of the sport and it is my biggest challenge. But the pay-off is always worth it! There is nothing like frying up a fresh fish that you pulled out of the water yourself.
I know very little about the sport but luckily for me I was with people who have been perfecting their fishing skills for years. They provided me with the knowledge and experience that made it possible to catch my first fish in years.
I can still feel the excitement of the bite that led to the struggle - pulling back and forth - and finally yanking the fish out of the water. I always feel a little bit of regret when I see the fish lying on shore, struggling for breath, but it is quickly replaced by the anticipation of the upcoming fish fry.
Only a true fisherman can get excited about fish for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacking!
