Our life experience is comprised of innumerable dualities: good and evil, sweet and sour, observation and action…you get the picture.  Dualities help our minds create order from the chaos presented by nature.

Dualities are often, but not always, contradictory.  Good and evil are opposites, whereas observation is complementary to action.  This is good to know because the quality of one’s observations will often improve the rewards of one’s actions.

The club’s last speaker, James Garrettson, addressed this topic of observation and action.  The term he used was “fishing with intent”.  James explained that fly fishers need to: 1) Observe the water; 2) Understand where the fish may be holding; and 3) Put together a game plan.  For example, will you work the water upstream with nymphs or downstream with wet flies?  Start from shore or walk into the water, if so, how far?  James’ point was that you don’t start to fish until you have identified the intent of your actions.

There is nothing groundbreaking about the concept of “fishing with intent”.  It is a principle we learn to appreciate.  The Greeks famously said “The Fates will lead he who will, he that won’t will be dragged.”  The same concept holds true for successful fishing.

Another principle is “to do the basics brilliantly”.   These other basics include fly casting, knot tying and fly tying, not to mention learning about lines, leaders and tippets.  It is the knowledge – and constant improvement – of these basics that improves one’s fishing success.  Knowledge starts with observations.  Observe carefully and act accordingly.

Let’s meet on the water.

Kim Lloyd, GBF President