The Joys of Fishing
Fishing has been an important part of my life for years; I still have a mental picture of myself tagging along with my dad. Even now, nostalgia is partly what pulls me back to the canal in the early evenings after I finish work or on Sunday mornings. Just sitting on its banks, I can feel all the stresses of work deadlines and the tiring commute just draining away. I’m not the type of person to go on about the joys of nature, but fishing makes me feel closer to it. Pitting my wits against nature and that adrenaline rush of a catch as the float dips is as exciting to me now as the first time it ever happened.
Another attraction of fishing is the sense of camaraderie with other anglers. Whether it’s some gentle ribbing or words of advice, anglers have a real sense of community. We may not know the ins and outs of each other’s lives, but we can share our triumphs and the one-that-got-away stories.
I’m not really into all the expensive latest developments in angling equipment, and make do with a 12-foot rod with a fixed spool that my dad bought me. All my tackle like floats and hooks are kept in a cheap, old, plastic toolbox while my bait is put in an old margarine tub with holes. The only other things I carry with me are a disgorger, landing equipment and a seat box. I don’t bother with a rod rest; if I use it, I often miss that all-important bob of the float signalling a catch.
My son is still young, but I can’t wait for the moment he’s old enough to come fishing with me.
Every weekend I put him in his car seat in our car and we drive together to the lake. I hope he finds as much contentment in it as I do.