Fly Fishing is Like Dining Out
A colorful brown trout I connected with on the Taylor River on March 7, 2023. This fish was fooled on a size 20 black RS2.
While massively overused, and cliché as it sounds, “they don’t call it ‘catching.’ They call it fishing.”
But it’s true.
Some people may ask, “Well, if it’s not about catching some trout, what the hell is the purpose?” The answer is simple. Fly fishing is about netting trout, but those few seconds of catching and connecting with the fish aren’t the end-all and be-all.
Those moments are only a part of the experience—a piece of the fly fishing puzzle.
So why do we fly fish? Why do I fly fish?
We go fly fishing to feel the river rush past us. We use minuscule artificial lures because it’s challenging and meditative (and it simulates what trout actually eat). We bring our family fishing to share something inspiring and jubilant; we do it to spend quality time with our kids.
We’re anglers because it allows us to explore the natural world in a creative, or perhaps even artistic way.
And fly fishing is truly exhilarating.
A fall brown trout brought to net by one of my clients in September 2022.
Simply put, we fly fish because it’s fun and it brings us unparalleled joy.
These reasons are why I’ve committed my life to fly fishing in Crested Butte and why many of my readers make time for angling every chance they get.
Ok, we detailed why we fly fish. But why is fly fishing like dining at a restaurant???
Read on to learn.
[Transport yourself from the river to a different time and place.]
It’s Friday night. Your weekend break from emails and TPS reports has finally arrived. And the past 40 hours hunched over your laptop have you yearning for some celebration.
It’s time for relaxation and high-fives.
An Uber is ordered to bring you and your crew downtown to an area flush with restaurants and bars. Your party puts a name down for a table at the trendiest joint on the block, eagerly awaiting your turn.
The host that greeted you was welcoming, and the servers appeared to be attentive and kind to every guest that walked through the door.
The staff’s hospitality made you want to connect with them on a deeper level, even if only for a couple of hours.
The restaurant's lighting, decor, music, and energy make you feel cheery and excited!
You want to tap your feet and hug your friends.
Last Friday, you ate at the same restaurant you’re at tonight and had a mediocre lasagna, expensive California merlot, and an average whiskey cocktail that cost an above-average price. You don’t remember the drink’s name nor the lasagna fillings, but you recall the meal made you feel content (enough).
Dining out is partially about eating good food, but it’s mostly about the experience. It’s about connecting with those you love. It’s about having fun.
Last Friday was a fabulous evening with some old college friends and, because of this experience, it is worth repeating tonight.
Let’s summarize: You spent your valuable time and money last Friday night eating mediocre food that you don’t remember but still had an incredible and memorable experience.
If you think about it, we invest ourselves into a dining experience substantially for all the same reasons we spend our time fly fishing.
Whether angling or dining out, catching tons of fish or eating the most exceptional fare are distant priorities to having fun and meeting your emotional, meditative, educational, cultural, or social needs.
Yes, we need to catch some trout from time to time. Sometimes, even, we need to catch piles of trout; preferably, we land a few monsters! And other times, we must eat an award-winning meal from a top-tier chef.
But not all of the time.
Often, only a couple of 8-inch trout will do (or sometimes no trout at all). And other times, food that tastes merely “okay” is enough to be completely fulfilled as a human being.
Because every other part of the equation matters much, much more.
Thanks for reading,
Dan
P.S. I playfully call myself a good-times consultant because ensuring my clients have fun is always my #1 goal.
After that, I wish to provide for my clients’ other needs.
Some folks want an educational experience, and others desire entertainment. Some need casting advice, and others may need a friend for the day.
Many folks want to catch heaps of trout, and other times clients simply need a professional knot untangler.
Whatever that need is, whatever your goals are, I’m here to help and to ensure you have the best Crested Butte angling experience.
Please get in touch with me at trout@jonesguides.com for more information on how I can assist during your next Colorado Fly Fishing Vacation.
Having fun and learning something when fly fishing is my number one goal. Let me know how I can help you reach your fly fishing goals this year! Photo by Rob Hammer Photography.