If you haven’t read David Coggins two books on fly fishing I highly recommend both. He talks a lot about why someone would choose to fly fish over other more productive options… a quote from an article he wrote earlier this year:
“If you want to do this the easy way, you wouldn’t pick up a fly rod. But that’s alright. We’re aiming for something higher here, a certain ideal, an artfulness, though we rarely meet that lofty standard…This connection, this fight is the burst of action that gives fly-fishing its symmetry. Though it’s really asymmetry, since you’re not catching fish that often. This is the moment that you dream of, that justifies all the waiting and speculating. You’re part of a drama — and sometimes, it must be said, that drama turns into tragedy.”
I personally don’t think you get this same range of emotions from a spinning rod.
This is a beautiful story, Ed. While I have known Cas as a member of The Queen City Anglers Guild and have always had much respect for him, I can now appreciate him even more. He is pure in so many different ways. Thanks for relating this wonderful tale.
Myron Koenig
PS I love the sport and started as a young boy fishing with my dad, a cane pole and a live worm. I must admit that I’d probably enjoy fishing like that even today.
Thanks, Myron. This is the second Club trip I've roomed with Cas. This time, I got to ride with him to and from Virginia. It was a great time to learn about Cas. I am hoping more Club members will subscribe to the short stories. I enjoy writing them and especially enjoy hearing that they connect with people.
Good read! I work in the fly fishing industry and this is one of the reports we use to determine the number of fly anglers. It's not perfect, but it provides some incredible detail to understand the fishing demographic.
Thanks for sharing Cliff. I am so glad you liked the post. I hope you subscribe to the publication. The more anglers who read it, the higher profile the stories will get.
Definitely. I am less steady on my legs and it is harder to tie on flies. On the other hand, I seem to notice and appreciate the little things about the sport more.
If you haven’t read David Coggins two books on fly fishing I highly recommend both. He talks a lot about why someone would choose to fly fish over other more productive options… a quote from an article he wrote earlier this year:
“If you want to do this the easy way, you wouldn’t pick up a fly rod. But that’s alright. We’re aiming for something higher here, a certain ideal, an artfulness, though we rarely meet that lofty standard…This connection, this fight is the burst of action that gives fly-fishing its symmetry. Though it’s really asymmetry, since you’re not catching fish that often. This is the moment that you dream of, that justifies all the waiting and speculating. You’re part of a drama — and sometimes, it must be said, that drama turns into tragedy.”
I personally don’t think you get this same range of emotions from a spinning rod.
Thank you for suggesting these books. I have not read them but will now add them to my list.
I just finished the second this week, THE BELIEVER. Both were great reads.
This is a beautiful story, Ed. While I have known Cas as a member of The Queen City Anglers Guild and have always had much respect for him, I can now appreciate him even more. He is pure in so many different ways. Thanks for relating this wonderful tale.
Myron Koenig
PS I love the sport and started as a young boy fishing with my dad, a cane pole and a live worm. I must admit that I’d probably enjoy fishing like that even today.
Thanks, Myron. This is the second Club trip I've roomed with Cas. This time, I got to ride with him to and from Virginia. It was a great time to learn about Cas. I am hoping more Club members will subscribe to the short stories. I enjoy writing them and especially enjoy hearing that they connect with people.
Good read! I work in the fly fishing industry and this is one of the reports we use to determine the number of fly anglers. It's not perfect, but it provides some incredible detail to understand the fishing demographic.
https://www.takemefishing.org/getmedia/db64f719-d1b6-4fcb-97bd-7725c35235c8/2024-Special-Report-on-Fishing_Web.pdf
Thanks for sharing Cliff. I am so glad you liked the post. I hope you subscribe to the publication. The more anglers who read it, the higher profile the stories will get.
I kick myself now for not having rescued the split cane fly rod my dad had stashed away in the rafters of his workshop.
I hear you. I have always wanted a bamboo rod.
This is why I am drawn to fly fishing. This was well written and really gets to the heart of why a fly rod over a spinner. I appreciate this share!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the positive feedback. I sense we are kindred spirits when it comes to fly fishing despite our age difference.
I would agree even though I’m not that young. Guessing our age difference isn’t that far apart. Lol 🙂
Thanks. But my body feels all of 70. I have a post coming up on fly-fishing challenges for seniors.
I can imagine. Do you find it harder in anyway?
70 years old here.
No way?! You definitely don’t look it!! I’m 51.
Definitely. I am less steady on my legs and it is harder to tie on flies. On the other hand, I seem to notice and appreciate the little things about the sport more.