When it comes to women and fly fishing, I am no expert, of that I am certain. I’ve been fly fishing for about 8 years and I’ve been married for about the same. The fact that those two numbers are similar, I am learning, is no accident.
I began my fishing career on a high mountain lake, using a cut rate, second-hand rod and a beat up aluminum canoe. I was living in a one room cabin, built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1932. The old bugger had no electricity, no plumbing and only 2 bunker style windows which let in a minimal amount of daylight.
My wife, to whom I had just married, was living with me in such humble digs. She seemed not to mind the primitive arrangements, in fact, she appeared relatively comfortable there.
Since that time, I have learned much about fly fishing and even more about my wife. After 8 years I’ve decided that most men are looking for all the right fish, and all the wrong women.
There are dozens of clichéd catch-phrases, usually found plastered on the backs of cars and trucks, drawing punned comparisons to women, sex & fish. “Love ‘em & Leave ‘em” & “Size Does Matter” are generally the most common. For this exercise, we’re going to assume these stickers belong to fishermen rather than fisherwomen, a rare but increasing demographic.
Obviously for these guys, chasing fish is not unlike chasing women. More important than just chasing fish, is chasing Trophy fish. The ones they’re after are beautiful, vibrant, big healthy specimens of the aquatic underworld. They lurk in the depths of rivers and lakes, making brief appearances every now and then just to remind you that they’re there. When you forget, they’ll launch themselves four feet above the waters surface in a magnificent display of beauty and power. Most fisherman spend their lives in search of these fish although few are fortunate enough to land one, (though some seem luckier than others). If or when they do catch one, they’ll take some pictures, relish in the moment & then let it go. Afterwards they’ll continue fishing for smaller, though respectable trout. These are the ones that fill up your day, nothing you’d hang on your wall mind you, but enough to keep you interested.
Big fish don’t get big by accident. It takes a lot of work, a lot of consistency, and a lot of time. What’s more, they know they’re big. They intimidate their lesser peers with nipping teeth and torpedo-like charges. They’re cunning, sneaky, and feisty as hell.
I have seen a number of my fellow fisherman fishing for women the same way they do for fish. They dredge their lines deep into the pool hoping to connect with that fabled woman. The ones that do it long enough eventually hook up with the one they're after and once the hook is set, a long difficult struggle ensues.
As with trout, trophy women do not become trophies by accident. It takes a lot of work, a lot of consistency and a lot of time. What’s more, they know they're trophies. They intimidate their lesser peers with Prada hand bags, expensive hair, and perfect (though probably fake) breasts. They’re cunning, sneaky, and feisty as hell.
Once landed, they demand perfect weddings (which don’t exist) take expensive photographs, and afterwards you can’t let them go. (Nor can you stuff them and hang them on the wall.)
A few years later you find yourself wanting to go fishing again, perhaps for fish, or perhaps for something else. Maybe this time for a respectable fish that lives in a 70 year old log cabin with no plumbing and no electricity. One that keeps you interested day after day, without the aid of expensive clothing or augmented breasts. One that lurks in the depths of Target rather than Abercrombie & Fitch.
In the last 8 years of marriage I have fished a lot, and all of that time was spent fishing for fish. Sure I’ve landed some trophies and each time I’ve let them go. Afterwards, I keep fishing for the ones that keep me interested, day after day, night after night, year after year.
-Kevin
I began my fishing career on a high mountain lake, using a cut rate, second-hand rod and a beat up aluminum canoe. I was living in a one room cabin, built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1932. The old bugger had no electricity, no plumbing and only 2 bunker style windows which let in a minimal amount of daylight.
My wife, to whom I had just married, was living with me in such humble digs. She seemed not to mind the primitive arrangements, in fact, she appeared relatively comfortable there.
Since that time, I have learned much about fly fishing and even more about my wife. After 8 years I’ve decided that most men are looking for all the right fish, and all the wrong women.
There are dozens of clichéd catch-phrases, usually found plastered on the backs of cars and trucks, drawing punned comparisons to women, sex & fish. “Love ‘em & Leave ‘em” & “Size Does Matter” are generally the most common. For this exercise, we’re going to assume these stickers belong to fishermen rather than fisherwomen, a rare but increasing demographic.
Obviously for these guys, chasing fish is not unlike chasing women. More important than just chasing fish, is chasing Trophy fish. The ones they’re after are beautiful, vibrant, big healthy specimens of the aquatic underworld. They lurk in the depths of rivers and lakes, making brief appearances every now and then just to remind you that they’re there. When you forget, they’ll launch themselves four feet above the waters surface in a magnificent display of beauty and power. Most fisherman spend their lives in search of these fish although few are fortunate enough to land one, (though some seem luckier than others). If or when they do catch one, they’ll take some pictures, relish in the moment & then let it go. Afterwards they’ll continue fishing for smaller, though respectable trout. These are the ones that fill up your day, nothing you’d hang on your wall mind you, but enough to keep you interested.
Big fish don’t get big by accident. It takes a lot of work, a lot of consistency, and a lot of time. What’s more, they know they’re big. They intimidate their lesser peers with nipping teeth and torpedo-like charges. They’re cunning, sneaky, and feisty as hell.
I have seen a number of my fellow fisherman fishing for women the same way they do for fish. They dredge their lines deep into the pool hoping to connect with that fabled woman. The ones that do it long enough eventually hook up with the one they're after and once the hook is set, a long difficult struggle ensues.
As with trout, trophy women do not become trophies by accident. It takes a lot of work, a lot of consistency and a lot of time. What’s more, they know they're trophies. They intimidate their lesser peers with Prada hand bags, expensive hair, and perfect (though probably fake) breasts. They’re cunning, sneaky, and feisty as hell.
Once landed, they demand perfect weddings (which don’t exist) take expensive photographs, and afterwards you can’t let them go. (Nor can you stuff them and hang them on the wall.)
A few years later you find yourself wanting to go fishing again, perhaps for fish, or perhaps for something else. Maybe this time for a respectable fish that lives in a 70 year old log cabin with no plumbing and no electricity. One that keeps you interested day after day, without the aid of expensive clothing or augmented breasts. One that lurks in the depths of Target rather than Abercrombie & Fitch.
In the last 8 years of marriage I have fished a lot, and all of that time was spent fishing for fish. Sure I’ve landed some trophies and each time I’ve let them go. Afterwards, I keep fishing for the ones that keep me interested, day after day, night after night, year after year.
-Kevin
3 comments:
Actually we think you caught the even more "fabled fish". The one who possesses all of the good qualities of the ever-elusive fish without all the negative qualities (fake stuff -boobs-, expensive habits ...).
Great Blog!! I love the picture of Henry. You have great insight Kevin, words to ponder! Come and visit us sooon and do some great fishing!
Whoa..... you are like..... deep. I'm just glad you still find Meg to be a "good catch"...... although I think Buff might be offended! She can take that up with you!
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