Fishing = Lessons for Life, Looking Ahead

[Mike Burro]

 I'm sitting here writing on the morning of December 31rst 2010; the last day of the calendar year. This year I feel more introspective about this 'arbitrary gregorian mark on the wall'..What have I done, what will I do?, etc, etc.These are the typical topics of reflection when contemplating the passage of another year, and of course there is always the sting of the foreboding unknown. The future may hold promise or sorrow, but it doesn't reveal it's secrets prematurely. In October of 2010, I lost my beloved grandmother to illness and infirmity, but just one year earlier, I would have never seen that coming. So how do we orient ourselves for the future ahead?  This is where the 'fish tale begins'.  How many times after fishing; along with your catch, is the story of  "the one that got away"?

How many times have you awoken, thinking about returning to the spot where the big wily one, outfoxed you? What drives you to put on a ton of winter clothes and sit beside a hole in the ice until something stirs? These situations, and so many more call for calm; a rethinking of technique, a possible change in direction, etc. If only it were easier to apply the lessons learned fishing to the rest of life.For 2011, I am going to at least give it a go..When I'm in a tough spot, I'm going to remember how I persisted in my angling, how I never gave up, and how elating it can be when the pay off finally comes..The other thing about fishing is, it's full of surprises, and I think that quality makes for greater optimism..Optimism is a good thing to have, especially in today's trying times..Try to equate some of your angling experiences with other parts of your being, and I will wager you may just catch a trophy; even if it means just taking a second look at your dilemma, or deciding to change tackle. So bring on the new year. I look forward to it, as I do the next time I go fishing, full of promise and the unexpected...Cheers! Mike Burro

[Bruce Condello]

Thanks for brightening my day, and giving us all some well-needed perspective.  This is what keeps this site fresh and exciting!

[Nick Holt]

Hi Mike,  Your words were well written and very thought provoking.  After spending 8 weeks in the hospital and still in the recovery process for pancreatitis, I have taken what you wrote to heart.  Thanks, Nick Holt.