Why Do I Fish?

 Saturday was a day just to take stock of the beauty around me on the water. With the wind blowing from the Southeast and both generators on at the dam full blast, not to mention a bluebird day, it was a slow fishing day. My son-in-law B.T. and I managed to land 5 bluegills to take home and he landed a 2 lb largemouth using a Rapala. As I wrestled with the wind and the water levels, I was wondering why I'm on the water 2 or 3 times a week. Is it because I just love this sport or is it because I have nothing else to do? As I pondered those thoughts I come to the conclusion that I had rather be on the water than doing one of those yard jobs and yes it is because I truly love the sport.
 To me, there is nothing like being on the water early in the morning with the mist just escaping from the surface and hearing the birds in the distance. A fisherman just can’t get any closer to nature than that. I am so thankful that my Dad got me into fishing years ago. It has helped me get through some tough times in my life by being the therapy I needed. I have found that when I am on the water I forget about the everyday grinds of life in general. It becomes one of the most relaxing times of the day or week for me. It is something that I look forward to every week. I don’t have to be with a fishing partner to get this solitude. It can be just a quiet day on the stream or the lake by myself. It is my time and I truly treasure it.