Irish Tea and Soft Hackles

Counting Fish

No, counting fish is not the name of a new rock band. It's one of the many tricks that those unseen powers over fly fishing have devised to assure that you will eventually have bad days fishing.

When the fishing is extremely good, it's very tempting to count your catch. I've done so! My friend and fishing partner, David Chin, and I have even used a little abacus he created to keep our count. It's an amazing little device! When you do though, if you're not careful, you have immediately devised a measuring stick for other fishing days. Is your best day fishing measured by the number of fish you catch? Or do you let the simple satisfaction of having a great day on the water suffice?

Catching fish is fun! If a person never catches anything, fly fishing can be one of the more dull and frustrating of sports. To strive for the zenith in the sport, a person must always have the hope of catching something bigger and better. To lose that hope is to fail. Likewise, a person should work toward becoming a better fisherman. One cannot remain at the same level by being content. If a person does not strive to improve, he or she loses ground, and probably will lose interest.

This can be accomplished at any level. In the summer on the Little Missouri, it's not uncommon to have days when the catch will amount to very few fish (or less). On one particular string of days last summer, I went three trips before catching a fish. When I did, I felt like the poor little rascal was a monster, and I was the among the greatest of fisherman in landing him, maybe even expecting a call from American Angler asking "Lefty" Mc to relate his (my) success. I enjoyed that fish as much as I have enjoyed catching large numbers on days when the fishing is easy and almost robotic.

So, if numbers are the key to your happiness or success, maybe you're in the wrong sport. Golf would be nice! Or if you want competitive fishing, bass fishing is a challenging sport. However, if you choose to remain in the sport of fly fishing, and you enjoy counting, it's still a great hobby. Just don't expect me to play the numbers game with you.

I'm having too much fun!

Things not to count:

fish caught - see article above.
rods owned - who needs or wants to know?
number of days per year fishing - does your wife think your yard needs mowing?
number of flies in all your boxes - my wife had me do this once!

Things to count:

number of fish on a stringer - if you choose to keep some.
holes in your waders - convince the wife you need new ones!
your blessings - God has given us so many!

thoughts by Johnny McJunkins
- thanks to David Chin for the drawing, and for so much else!

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