ld, Lampshade on head, yes. OT? You decide...
You are in good company; Al Demato (R-New York) was sometimes like minded.
Just got back from a day of fishing for salmon.
A little like the market.
You get a tip from a friend, or remember to check the papers or local sources for when the season opens, where the hot spots are, how big the fish are, what the restrictions are for gear, limit size. Your DD. You invest your dough up front for equipment, leaders, flies, etc. You invest your personal time and effort. Then you jump in the water.
Here, with the salmon you literally look for the fish you work to. Some days, like today, they are difficult to spot, tough to find a winner. I did not catch one. But others did. Also just like the market.
The river was just great to be in and on. The possibility of catching a fish that much added positive expectancy. I learned, I had 'fun'. It was good. I slipped and got a bit wet and it is late Novemeber here in New England. It was cold but exhilarating none-the-less. No, I am not masochistic, just accepting of reality, 'wet happens' when you hang out on rivers. Just like the market.
Some guys come in, sneak on the scene, and snag the fish. Not my style. They then take their ill-gotten prize and race off with it stuffed in a dark bag. Some of this ilk, quick strip the meat off and discard the carcass, requiring a smaller easier to conceal bag to make their exit without being caught. I saw a carcass today. Sad. This large beautiful fish guts on board, much of the edible flesh also on board. Why? Because the high level of adrenaline from fear precipitated quickness of the filet act, precluded masterful skill, miss-guiding the optimal placement of the knife. There are good poachers, don't get me wrong, but most are hackers, I suppose this too can be like the market.
I met some tremendous people on the river. New friends, many 'strangers' that were helpful and trust worthy. And one 'patzer' who walked right into our fishing lane like he was a rouge elephant and had a rite of imminent domain sign, in glowing letters across his chest. What we saw was a rude loner who disappeared as quickly as he had come. Just a short on the river, trying to take advantage of our ‘honey hole'. My buddy made a comment. I just let him pass. Neither of us seemed to alter his state of mind.
We also met two 'old timers'. Quiet and wise from many years on the river and hanging out in places where you hone your skills and share experience. We exchanged smiles and some words with one. I befriended the other and took home a few new flies (his gift to me), a new 'chunk' of knowledge, and a future friend should we meet again. Not unlike this thread.
Would it have been nice to get a salmon? It would not have made much difference today. Being there, doing it, was it. I have caught many fish. I have lost a few and less as the years roll by. I've learned to fly fish of late, a whole New World. Also, not unlike being in the market.
Some people fish for the meat, they have to keep the freezer full. Not my style. Funny, they are often sharp and cleaver, but they are still always fishing and always seem a little anxious, a little 'on edge'. Even they 'need' to be out there, doing it.
I'm realizing it is way past time to relax with fishing and the market.
I did not get angry when I slipped today. I was startled. Then I laughed. The cold felt wonderfully good.
I was again aware that I am human, thank God.
I think I am going to alter my modeling of 'getting burned' in the market to 'getting soaked' instead. To remind me that it is a short time we have here and that getting wet is not as bad as a bad attitude. To remind me that 'in the long run', 'the long term' just isn't as important as it appears.
Friday I worked a very long day, ending a very long week. I had no weekend reports or administrative responsibilities for a change. I looked and saw our little 'pipe dream' pup acting like a real champion. I did not know about all the technicals Ah nicely articulated for us, but I knew in my own way that we passed a mile stone and right now the darkest appears behind us. And that is F'N O.K. with this fisherman.
And that was enough to get me to laugh, even more then I was already.
I bought into the pipe dream of cable
You may be very pleased that you have.
May the rain fall softly in your fields.
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