Wednesday, January 16, 2008
source http://sjoutdoors.blogspot.com
By Doug Skinner, South Jersey Outdoors
After my vacation, I thought a lot about why I enjoy the outdoors as much as I do. More specifically, why I can spend 8-12 hours on the lake fishing without getting hungry, cranky, or tired.
For the first time I have recognized passion in my hobby. It came while I was packing up to leave Florida, and only now have I had to time to reflect on the feeling I had while I was down there. Here\’s what happened:
As part of the packing-to-return-home ordeal I had to go down to the car and get my fishing rods so I could put them in the rod holder for the flight back. It was pouring, and time was of the essence, but that didn\’t stop the itch. The itch is that feeling that you have that is almost unbearable to ignore, and irritates you until you scratch it. My \”itch\” that day was for one more cast.
Now, \”one more,\” is never actually just one more. It\’s often as many casts as one can safely get off before missing anything too important (like a flight home 1000 miles away).
But I digress, it was raining steadily and a cold front approached so I knew two things were happening. First, approaching cold fronts often kick fish into high gear. They get excited, hungry, and aggressive as the front bears down. Second, temperatures were dropping fast, and at a certain point fishing would shut down altogether.
Quickly becoming drenched I went to the dock and with the grace and effort of a gazelle bounding away from an approaching lion, I casted as hard and fast as I could. The lure hit the water and with a few gentle twitches was immediately inhaled by a large Jack Crevelle. I was surprised by the attack and did not set the hook in time, which the fish took advantage of by immediately letting go of the hook.
The second cast proved more fruitful, this time I was prepared and set the as soon as I felt the fish bump my lure. It wasn\’t the biggest fish, in fact it was smaller than the first, but I landed him. Now, I was completely soaked and would have to change before we could leave. But it was worth it, it was enough to alleviate the itch I had to cast, at least temporarily…
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In warmer weather, here in New Jersey, I often feel the same sort of itch. I can\’t go more than a day or two without planning my next excursion. I have always felt a passion for fishing, but have never explored the feelings. It wasn\’t until my trip to Florida that I grasped the intensity at which I need to stretch some line.
Hobbies are an important aspect of our lives. They give us something to enjoy without the added stress of supervisors and bosses. I consider myself lucky to have a hobby that keeps me outside often because I get to see amazing things both on the water and off.
reprinted with permission of Doug Skinner
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