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Destination or Journey
by: David Coulson 2/22/2013
Recently during a conversation about fishing saltwater, the comment, “Then you like deep sea fishing?” was made. My answer was along these lines. The few times I’ve fished the deep, most have been on boats where the Captain and crew did most of the work, and we got to reel in the fish. For many catching is what it’s all about. But in my case the deep sea experiences left me with an empty feeling. The crew was fishing and I was just along for the ride. I know I don’t wish to repeat those experiences. But I’m sure there are other options, so I can’t really say whether or not I like deep sea fishing. Thinking about such conversations, I realize that, for me, fishing is more about the journey, not the destination. There’s no doubt that I love catching fish, and most times, the bigger the better. Yet, I know that if I get invited to fish where all I need to do is show up and “catch” big fish I’ll most likely decline. That’s part of the reason I don’t do well with many guides, I don’t want to just catch fish, I want to fish. Over my life I’ve fished for many species, using a variety of tactics. I’ll readily admit that each fishing method has its advantages, especially if you’re out to maximize your catch rates and/or chances of landing a trophy class fish. Everyone should try fishing as many ways as possible, so they can appreciate the challenges, skills, and benefits of each method. That way you will find out what appeals to you most, be it sitting on bank waiting for a bite, wading a high mountains stream, trolling, tournaments, you name it. Try it, you might just like it. Once you figure out what aspect of fishing appeals most to you, whether it’s everything, a single technique, or somewhere in between, enjoy fishing to its fullest. Just remember, what’s right for you, may not be right for someone else. To me, one method is only superior to another if catching is you sole objective. Only the fish can tell you what's best. We all travel different roads as we pass through life. For some the destination is important. In my case, anytime I get somewhere, I’m quickly ready to hit the road again. It’s the journey that I enjoy. You?
Blog content © David Coulson Member comments HeavyC, CO 2/22/2013 2:11:41 PM
Just being able to go fishing....HOWEVER it gets done!
HC Out! opencage, CO 2/22/2013 2:20:19 PM
Amen. tatonka, CO 2/22/2013 3:20:37 PM
Journey - For me its the journey that creates the destination. skunkmaster, CO 2/22/2013 8:04:33 PM
Have to agree, Flyrodn. I get no sense of accomplishment from guided trips where all I do is what someone else tells me to do. For me, simply catching, without contributing to the strategy, planning, and most of the execution, is not very fulfilling. It's still fun, but the fulfillment just isn't there. Raskal, CO 2/23/2013 10:51:08 AM
I do agree but taking a guided trip is a GREAT way to learn the waters and the techniques. Coyute, CO 2/25/2013 10:06:38 AM
For me, it depends on the company. tracks, CO 2/25/2013 11:35:34 AM
I dig the journey, I like to take different paths to get to the same destination so that I might learn more..
Get to try more different gear!!
David Coulson (Flyrodn), CO 2/25/2013 11:40:13 AM
There's no doubt guides provide valuable insight. I have, and will continue to use guides. The ones I have the most sucess with are those who recognize that catching isn't what's most important to me. Agreed that some make better company than others. Maybe that's way some of us spend so much time fishing alone, and maybe some should fish alone more often. JKaboom, CO 2/27/2013 5:32:25 PM
For me it's both the journey and the destination and is dependent upon my goal and who I am with for the trip. skiman, CO 2/28/2013 5:17:13 AM
If I were to recall the most memorable fishing trips of my life, I would have to say it was the ones I took with my dad. At that time, we fished to eat, so "catching" was paramount to the fishing experience. What I didn't realize then was that the time spent with my dad..the journey...was far more pertinent then the destination. As I look back on those times, I realize I wouldn't trade a minute of the "journey" for all the fish in the sea. Thanks Dave. Lloyd Tackitt, TX 3/2/2013 1:27:02 PM
I'm always about the journey. I prefer long trips with no particular destination for vacationing. Just out noodling around, that's what I like to do. I drive a lot, and I drive considerably slower than most people. They don't seem to want to be where they are when they are traveling, they seem to want nothing other than to arrive as soon as they possibly can. But, wherever you go, there you are - so you just can not out run yourself and might as well slow down and enjoy the trip.
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