Reel Time | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Reel Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dave O'Neil
02/07/07
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I have friends who have gone fishing. Papua, New Guinea and the Czech Republic, among other places. Some not so far away. Not everyone feels the call to go. Some would like to, but it doesn’t seem meant to be. Most would probably rather not, and never have to. It seems that overseas you have a shot at the more exotic catch. Special skill training and months of preparation give you the edge to tackle the big fish, the stuff of headlines and newsletters. But the lifestyle change isn’t for all of us. That doesn’t mean you can’t just drop a line where you are. Everyone should probably do it. Some of the best angling is right in your back yard.

There is a pickerel right across the street from me. That one is going to take a lot of patience and gentle determination. Pickerel can be stubborn, and scare off easily. If somehow they feel assured that you aren’t trying to hurt them, your chances improve drastically. The rock bass at work likes deeper water, where the temperature is a little cooler. If you take them out of their comfort zone, they are only concerned about self preservation. Sometimes the threat of change will destroy any attraction to the bait. I always see this halibut at the grocery store. He is so preoccupied with proper digestion that he doesn’t even pay attention to what he eats. It will take a while for him to see the value in what I’m offering.

Then there are your little guppies at home. Don’t assume that simply because they are confined to the world that you have provided, these little ones have been caught. Remember they can see through the glass. They see and hear everything! They learn fast at that age. Please remember that whenever you are fishing, actions speak louder than words. Keep their environment pure, and don’t forget to feed them regularly. If you have let it slide for a while, don’t be afraid to dump the tank and start over. It’s much harder to catch them when the water gets dirty.

We all need to get into the fishing derby, whether it involves sailing an ocean, or just a backyard pond. There is a cost, but (please bear in mind I am not a tax guy) I believe you can write it off against future gains. However you set up your tackle, you never can be sure of the result. There are so many ways to do it. Set the bait above or below the sinker, use a shiny lure, or try fly fishing with a bobber. Thank goodness it’s not in our hands alone.

There is an old Steve Camp song that is so simple it just makes sense. “Don’t tell them Jesus loves them unless you’re ready to love them too.” I believe you will get the best results with one of those “agape” lures, and take your time. I have a bad habit of trying to set the hook and reel in too early. It takes genuine care and patience, and believe me, the fish can tell the difference. If you’re not there for the love of it, for the passion you feel, you may as well not do it at all. So get out there and drop a line. You just might win a sole.

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