November 8th, 2002
I have had some time this week to ponder on one of life's
most important questions. Why do men fish? Just what is it that makes Bill dance? What put
the Jacque in Mr. Cousteau? What makes Roland Martin roll? Why would a 70 year old man
drive over 300 miles one way to Darien, Georgia to catch Trout and Whiting when they sell
seafood a half mile down the road from his house? Is this unbridled passion a question of
nature vs. nuture? Are some born to this or is it learned?
This writer is not the first to attempt to solve such
mystery. It has, perhaps, plagued wives and others for centuries. Do we even know
ourselves why we fish? Poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said " Many men
go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."
Izaak Walton penned " Rivers and the inhabitants of the
watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without
consideration."
The psalmist addressed this very issue in Psalms 107:23-24.
Here he wrote " They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great
waters; These seek the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep."
I believe Herbert Hoover best described my feelings when he
wrote " To go fishing is to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the
brook, or with the shimmer of the sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration
from the decency of nature, charity toward tackle makers, patience toward fish, a mockery
of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a
darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of men--for all men are
equal before fish."
Many men spend thousands upon thousands for boats,
equipment, and tackle each year. Is the passion in the boat itself? I for one believe that
may be the draw for some. For instance, not everyone can afford a 1965 Sea King powered by
a 43 lb thrust Motorguide electric trolling motor. The ALVA D has a character all it's
own. Quite frankly, it is in a class all by itself (and all the brethren said...Amen! ).
Some of you have said that my writings reflect a "cry
for help" or that I have way too much time on my hands. Say what you will. Meanwhile,
I've got a lunch to pack and some corn to purchase. Tomorrow will be a special day.
Horace
" The two best times to fish are when it is raining and
when it ain't."
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