|
Is it really "just fishing"?
by: Chad LaChance 6/13/2012
I teach fishing. I talk fishing. I write about fishing. I produce TV shows that teach fishing. And I fish a lot...geez, I live the fishing lifestyle, however that's defined.
Times like these make me realize how insignificant fishing is...or is it? You see, I just had a conversation with a guy that had no idea what I do for a living. He'd been evacuated from his Rist Canyon home and admitted that it had most likely been another victim of this horrendous fire now taking over our world for a while. He lamented that he hadn't grabbed this, that, and the other on his way out the door...and then bluntly stated that he "wished he could just go fishing and make this all go away..."
I wanted to hug the guy. Or better yet, take him fishing...
I'm evacuated, too. My house is fine for now, and likely will be. Others...well, not so much. Mrs Fishful and I have received an almost embarrassing amount of support for which we are thankful beyond words. Somehow, we'll try to pay it back, and forward, when this is all over. It'll likely happen via the only real way we know to make people happy and mentally well...fishing.
Maybe we'll collect tackle to donate to families that lost theirs, maybe we'll take fire victims fishing to ease their stress at least for a day, or maybe we'll take a bunch of fire fighters fishing as a thank them for all of their ridiculously hard and dangerous work. Maybe we'll do all of the above. Don't know exactly how just yet, but somehow, someway, we'll try to make people smile again the only way I know how...to get them fishing.
I've been blessed to get to immerse myself into something I'm very passionate about...and that I admittedly take for granted far too often. 50,000 acres of very close fire has a distinct way of bringing that into perspective. Conversing with a stranger that just lost everything and is only wishing he was fishing really drives it home. For some reason, he made me think of the Fishful Thinker definition...
"Fishful Thinker is a state of mind, pure and simple. Not a person or place, or even genera, rather a mindset that besets those who think fishy thoughts. Primal yet sophisticated, it is knowledge skillfully applied in a wave of success and failure. It’s youthful exuberance and ageless wisdom, respect for the quarry and environment, the sharing amongst peers, and the understanding of an angler’s place in the grand scheme, however humbling that may be."
It starts with state of mind and ends with humbling...both are supremely important in life and at no other time has it been more evident to me...CL
 Yep, a scary and humbling view over the bow of my boat... Blog content © Chad LaChance Member comments hammertime, CO 6/13/2012 1:38:01 PM
Very well put Chad. Ajax5240, CO 6/13/2012 1:48:06 PM
Great story, and glad to hear that the Fishful House has high hopes of survival! The firefighters, and volunteers that are working around the clock to protect homes are true heroes! I was on a job site all day yesterday and sweat my "you know what" off, I can't even imagine the heat that these guys and gals are enduring in the protective clothing they have to wear, let alone all the smoke. Hats off to the men and women fighting the blaze! Coyute, CO 6/13/2012 2:18:06 PM
Good piece. If we don't have the good stuff to reflect on - when the bad stuff rolls around (as it always does) it tends to get the best of us. Knowing that I have fishing means I will always have good stuff to reflect on when times go bad. Having fishing as an important part of my life is surprisingly comforting. There are few things that wash away as cleanly a bad stretch of life as fishing. I am glad there are many that feel the same way. You are a slaunch CL. Stay cool. pikeNcolorado, CO 6/13/2012 3:08:42 PM
Chad, Glad your house will be ok. I feel really bad for all that have lost so much. I'm also thankful for the work the fire fighters have done as you stated on your Facebook. Contact me via my Skipper Page and I will gladly donate a box of lures for those that have lost so much. Heak, I have a bog ole tackle box full of lures and hooks I don't use that I'll give ya. Just keep me informed and let me know how to get them to you....
pikeNcolorado 5%er
AKA Devin Gelsinger FISHRANGLER, CO 6/13/2012 3:33:07 PM
You always seem to say things just right. Thanks for sharing and I hope no one else gets hurt from all this. What a picture wow. KAK, CO 6/13/2012 5:42:30 PM
THANK YOU for your thoughts and empathy. We bond through our passions and our concern for others. The greatest gift is in giving to others. Let's organize after things settle and share with others in the bounty some of us still have and others have lost...
Mother nature can be both cruel and kind.
Be safe. Browns Hunter, CO 6/13/2012 7:47:11 PM
Chad, best wishes and best luck getting over this. Its really sobering to see the damage being done. Sure hope your house isn't touched. takeakidfishing, CO 6/14/2012 1:36:57 AM
Chad
What a read and I'm glad your safe.Like yourself I'm sure there is a lot of FXR members who are willing to help when the time comes.Let us know.Until then be safe and take care
pikeNcolorado, CO 6/14/2012 12:18:57 PM
Chad,
I just spoke to a few of my buddies and they said they would add some lures etc to the tackle box. So I got a good start already. I just need to make it by their houses to collect.
pikeNcolorado 5%er FishDr, CO 6/14/2012 2:02:10 PM
When you get a plan together, let me know...I'd be glad to help out however I can. drummin1, CO 6/18/2012 9:34:20 PM
Very nice sir! I have extra tackle I'd be happy to donate if you get that idea happening. Thanks much.
|
