Why We Fish

January 17, 2010 -- Way back when the early men carved hooks of bone, chased down prehistoric insects and impaled them on the hooks, fishing was an integral part of the survival of the human species. I can only imagine how the conversations went in caves all over the land:

"Where are you going now, Grog?"

"Fishing," he answered his mate, Brooda.

"Why do you have to go fishing now? The bones need taking out, the cave needs a good sweeping and the baby needs his grass changed," demanded Brooda.

"I'll be back back with supper if the tiger doesn't get me," said Grog, his eyes rolling and his step quickening to get out of the cave. He grabbed his stick with the sinew tied to one end and the hook to the other.

Flash forward to now:

"Where are you going, Honey?" asks Linda.

"Fishing," answers John as he loads his rods, reels, creels and assorted high-tech tackle into his 4-wheel drive.

"Why now?" whines Linda. "You know good and well my mother is coming tomorrow to stay for a week, and the grass needs mowing, the windows need washing and you promised to paint the guest room before she gets here."

"I'll be back later," John says. "And if I have anything to do with it, it'll be later," he mutters under his breath.

Throughout man's history, fishing has been a bone of contention between human mates. Men view it as a survival necessity, while women see it as an abandonment of duties and affections. Since it is both, I'm not about to step into that smelly goo of an argument. Instead, I'd like to tell you of some of my fishing adventures and misadventures, talk about gear and upkeep and maybe even show off a recipe or two that I've tried and enjoyed.

So, sit back and enjoy (I hope) as I reminisce a life full of the joys of fishing.

--RL