Knowing where to be at the right time can be hard in the spring. With fluctuating flows and changing weather patterns, fishing can be inconsistent across many fisheries. Not to mention how much must go right to capitalize on the fishing when it’s good.
This past weekend was a great example. I had two free days to do some fishing, which has been hard to come by with how busy May has been for me. I looked forward to fishing hard with nothing else to worry about, and I planned for long days exploring a few of my favorite fisheries.
For whatever reason, the days did not go as I had hoped from a fish-catching perspective. Day one, I fished some new water and ended up without a fish to hand. It had been a while since I came home skunked. Day two, we had some excellent fishing with bugs and rising fish, but things weren’t going my way. I spooked rising fish, missed hooksets, and lost multiple fish.
Initially, I couldn’t help but be discouraged and down on myself after the weekend’s fishing. With only so many days a month to fish, I want to make the most of the ones I have. And it’s hard to go into a day full of excitement and confidence, only to choose the wrong fishery or not capitalize on your opportunities.
But after a night’s rest, the disappointment turned into satisfaction and gratitude. I realized I needed a weekend like this. It humbled me and reminded me how much I still don’t know about fly fishing the region.
It also reminded me that the tough days are the ones you learn from the most. They test what you know, and inspire you to develop your fishing skills in new ways. It’s the bad days that light a fire and reignite my passion for fly fishing.
So while the weekend did not go as I had planned, I was able to learn so much and enjoy everything beyond putting fish into the net. This, in hindsight, is what I needed at this stage of my fishing journey.
I share this experience not for pity or to put myself on a pedestal. I don’t give a **** about any of that, and am not looking for any validation. That’s not why I write this blog.
I do it in the hope that it inspires you to reflect on your own fishing and learn from my experience.
A day of fishing is judged by so much more than how many fish were caught and how big they were. Above and beyond the enjoyment, scenery, and people you share it with. A day of fishing can also be judged by how much you learned and whether you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone.
If you are not getting skunked every once in a while, you are probably not pushing yourself and trying new things. Going fishless is a sign that you are fishing new fisheries and testing new techniques. It’s paramount to the journey and your growth as an angler. And by trying new things and following your curiosities, you’re setting yourself up to enjoy fly fishing for a lifetime. This is more admirable than fishing the same hole with the same flies every weekend, only to eventually burn yourself out and find a new hobby.
At least that’s what I believe here at The Curious Angler. I invite you to get out there as much as possible, go fishless, and stay curious after the slow days. Your future self will thank you for it.
As always, thanks for reading The Curious Angler.
Nick
