Here I'll attempt a break from my writing hiatus, and get things going with a synopsis of my fishing season since my last update. I'll spare the very specific details here (they are after all, available at NumenOn the Water), but let it be known that I've been fishing pretty hard. And while I've been fishing, lots of good things have happened to me and those around me. Moreover, these good things have provided access to waters I might not ordinarily be fishing, at least at these times. In summary, my Win-Win Gears have been churning, and my fishing has precisely dove-tailed with the lives and events of many loved ones.
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| A clear, fiery and dramatic Maine sunrise |
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| A fine local largemouth |
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| Memories, Pride and Honor |
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| Extended family brought together |
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| A bright future ahead! |
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| A quiet South Coast Massachusetts Moonrise; |
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| ...followed the next morning by sunrise at the same beach. |
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| I was lucky to catch this golden striper. |
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| Moon Landing, Maine Style |
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| Northern Michigan fishing has been OK! |
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| Ocean Fun? |
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| Ocean Fun! |
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| Babies! |
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| A quiet and subtle Maine sunrise |
I've enjoyed many sunrises and a few sunsets that I might have otherwise missed. And when I am out there (wherever!), at those times, little else matters. I thought such moments were important to me simply because they are so peaceful, but I think I've decided that these moments are so valuable because they provide me an opportunity to be completely present. Complete Immersion in what I'm doing at the moment is the key to my satisfaction. Whether it's work, relationships, competing or fishing, I know this to be true.
Recalling the past or pondering the future are certainly important for guidance and motivation. But I live in the present; and if I'm overly distracted (whether it's by thoughts of the past, dreams for the future, or a current irritation), then I'm not doing my best.
A few years ago I was making bait in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. I was stoked to be there, and as I got the hang of snagging bunker, I commented to the Captain that I had a prescient feeling of when I would hook up. I literally could feel the impending weight of the fish in my bones a fraction of second before the line or rod loaded. He thought I might be crazy, but he accepted it because we were filling the well. As I was recently making bait here in Maine, I continually noticed an interruption in the Kastmaster's cadence a moment before the mackerel's strike. Making bait was important to me in each situation and I was tuned in! I was probably feeling the line rubbing a fish or the push of water as the fish approached the hook. I was picking up these sensations before the fish got close enough to get hooked. I was totally immersed in what I was doing; I couldn't have been happier.
I fish for all these reasons. The opportunities fishing has provided for me to be truly present and to completely experience the moments of the day (big, small, wondrous and mundane) have taught me a lot. I'm looking for these moments in all aspects of my day. I'm thankful for the opportunities to participate, and I'm thankful to have the opportunities to share these moments.
