What I Learned From Fly Fishing
I had the opportunity to take a guided fly fishing trip recently. I have never fly-fished in my life. Although, as a little girl and fishing with my father, I tried to keep casting like the fly fisherman I had seen. It just looked fun! I said, "Sure, I'll go; it will be great. I like learning new things." He took me out in the yard and showed me a few things. I watched a few youtube videos, and we went out onto the Carson River and practiced about twice. I was enjoying myself. The man I went with and was teaching me was very handsome, and I enjoy being outside and love the river. Win-Win.
Very Handsome man. Win-Win
On to Hamilton, Montana, we went. (I will add that this was my worst time to leave. My business came to a screeching halt a few months ago. My savings are running out...but...I went anyway and decided to take my advice about taking time off...Take it off...and I did!!! )
Our first day on the river was Monday. We met our guide, Andrew, from Freestone Fly Fishing. He was amazing. He knew I was brand new, and I told him my job was to do what I was told...and I did. Ego aside, lots of deep breaths, I let him teach. I focused on being a student. He had a few ideas that were different from YouTube. Humm! His advice was way better. We caught and released at least 40 fish that day, which was terrific. I had never understood catch and release and honestly thought it was not kind, but again...just the student. Andrew had a relationship with the fish and the river. He knew where they were, how big they were, and was emotional when one was hurt or not cared for. He respected the big daddies and had great stories to tell. He was always kind and thankful to them, never breaking them as we tossed them back into the water. Barbless and gentle.
By Wednesday, I realized how relaxed I was. As we were fishing, it dawned on me that I was breathing slowly and had my complete attention on fishing, the fish, the water, the mountains...it was so very Zen... precisely what I needed and enjoyed. I realized that I was in a very meditative state as I would cast/set, mend and watch that little fly and wait for the fish to eat it so I could set again. I wear an Apple watch that monitors my respiratory rate, and it slowed by five breaths per minute while we were out there. It has been consistently lower since I returned home. Amazing!!!
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