By Andy Mekelburg
To be a fly fisher is the very definition of being an optimist. At the end of a day of fishing, if you are releasing all fish, you walk away physically the same as when you went in (maybe a few less flies). Fishing is an activity where you use the mind to imagine what will happen and then take steps to make that vision the reality. There is a sense of purpose in every step you take — from selecting flies, tying them on, to casting and retrieving — that all fits together. This is what keeps us so interested in this sport.
Whether you are the long-timer who makes their own flies and rods, or the beginner who is trying to get into the sport, it’s all about thinking positively, enjoying it at the level you’re at, and striving to learn and improve. It is said that it takes 10,000 hours of doing something to master that activity — that’s persistence and optimism!
During this “interesting” time that we are in, optimism seems to be the best way to get through it. Thinking about future enjoyment out on the waters is a good thing to have in mind. In the meantime, this is a good time to tie some flies and learn new patterns, including through the “Fly Fishing at a Distance” program lead by Don Fine. We had over 20 members participate in April and I hope you all enjoyed it. There will be another one in May. Here’s something to also look forward to: the trout pen is stocked and Rick Loose and his team are plumping them up for the fall. And while I don’t recommend you do this inside, you can go outside and practice your casting.
Let me know if you have any comments or suggestions as to how else PVFF can engage with the members until we are “released” onto the waters!
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