One of the best things about being on the river so often is that I continually receive little reminders about small things that have a major impact on your fishing. Such as taking breaks and making sure to EAT!
Today I fished an angler who received just that, a good reminder that if you don’t stop to eat while out on a full day of fishing you’re going to get frustrated. Not only that but then your casting goes to crap, you stop thinking critically, and the next thing you know you are cursing fly fishing and the world to only leave with your tail between your legs. Unnecessary! Its like anything else in the world of chasing steelhead with a fly rod. You spend so much time, effort, and money perfecting your game only to be derailed by such a small and easily overlooked thing. Fortunately for my angler he had me there to remind him and that was that. He took his time out like a champ and got some food and WATER in him, got right back up and fished the day out no worries. Thus, I was inspired to write this little piece. I too am guilty of the insanity of staying up all night the night before a trip tying flies and watching videos getting all pumped up when I should have used some of that time to prepare the days meals and ready my gear. Then get a good night’s rest. We all do it. That’s steelheading. My advice is make snacks, breaks and meals part of the program. Designate a spot for lunch, and hold to it. Maybe a spot on the river that you wouldn’t be distracted by or tempted to just fish. If you didn’t prepare any meals or snacks just take the extra time to hit the mini mart on the way to the river and get something. Sacrificing being the first on the river to make sure you have fuel for the day will always pay off, fish or no fish.
So, to sum it up, don’t let the little things throw a big wrench in your day considering all you put into learning and spending on this sport. Or any sport for that matter. Remember as die-hard steelhead chasers, we essentially are athletes. We burn a lot of energy trying to stay up right walking through river currents and steadying ourselves on slippery rocks. If you are the oarsman you’re burning twice that! So again, make that part of your program just like anything else that plays a part in your overall success as an angler. You’ll thank me, you’ll thank yourself. Peace.
Bryan