By Richard Griess
We’ve all seen the bumper sticker: ‘A bad day fishin’ beats a good day at work.’ Chances are, most people can relate. But what about the retired old codger or codgerette – good day at work doesn’t apply. Now a bad day fishin’ becomes a little more meaningful. In the words of Robert Traver, “The best time to go fishing is when you can get away”.
Having more discretionary time does afford the opportunities to ply the waters of a favorite fishin’ hole. It could be the local pond in a municipal park, in Evans, Ft. Collins, Loveland or Greeley, a state park, like Boyd Lake, a county recreation area, like Horsetooth, Carter lake or Pinewood. Whatever the body of water, lake, farm pond, steam, river, fishing provides a bit of solitude, time for introspection, a few moments of excitement or just plain escape.
Having spent many years in the rat race called life. I have come to appreciate the pure enjoyment of casting a line; be it a fly, a spinning lure of some type, and believe me there are many, or just throwing a worm on a hook into the water and the expectation of the strike.
Many will recall the Robert Redford directed movie, “A River Runs Through It”, the artistic beauty of the cinematography is stunning. As I recall, there was a big surge in interest in fly fishing after that film was released. (An astute eBay aficionado could have probably picked up some real bargains on fishing gear about two or three months later.) Fishing scenes aside, the bucolic nature of the environment should have been encouragement enough to stick your toe in the water and try to entice a fat rainbow, wily walleye, lethargic carp, bass or catfish to fall for your enticing offering at the end of a fishing line.
I have been fortunate to have fished in the Gulf of Mexico for bonito, the Pacific Coast of the Northwest for salmon along with local and regional waters for bass, crappie, trout, etc. When each foray was over, it wasn’t the catch that was important; but the magical time of relishing all that was present. It gives one respite, comfort and time to enjoy a beverage of choice. In the case of spin fishing or fly fishing, that occurs after the time on the water. For bait fishing, it can run concurrently.
As for the legal requirements, those of us in the seasoned citizen category, can thrash the waters of Colorado for a paltry $9.75. Used to be free… call your state representative. Remember there are additional fees levied by different government agencies for the privilege to avail oneself to the waters in that jurisdiction. This is where the disclaimer comes in about ‘check with your local government’ before casting about; so, to speak. Venture forth, throw your line into the abyss with which ever method you choose. And all this time, you though I was baiting you…
“Early to bed… early to rise… fish all day… make up lies,” ~ Author Unknown.