Why we do what we do

That screaming run of the ratchet. It really is one of the most exciting sounds in the world. And this is just one of the reasons we love the sport of fishing so much. That initial run really gets the heart pumping like nothing else. And then the fight begins. Sometimes it can be quick and finished, with very little fuss. Or it can drag on for hours. Man against beast in the ultimate battle of wills. If you give just an inch you stand to lose badly. Head knocks. Short sharp runs. Long brutal peeling of the line while you can do nothing but hold on tight, waiting for an opportunity to fight back. And then you win line. And then you see number plate. And the excitement reaches a crescendo again. Fish on the deck and the celebrations begin. It really is a thrill a minute sport, and incredibly addictive. These are the reasons we love this sport.

And fighting the fish is only part of the fun. What about the excitement of chasing them down? Seeing a bait ball on the surface. Watching birds diving in the distance. Seeing fish jumping in front of you. Spotting a massive showing on the finder. And then after all that excitement not even getting a bite. Making you yearn for more. And then chasing them all again, and getting that bite as you anticipate it, yet are still startled as it hits.

And how about the build up to a fishing trip. Getting your tackle organised. Deciding where to fish, if it’s a quick morning session. The drive to your favourite midweek secret spot, after going down with Wind(flu)ru to get off work. Or the incredible feeling of visiting a new destination. The build up towards a destination fishing trip is one of life’s great pleasures.
Even the purchasing of new equipment and lures can be an exciting journey in itself. Not to mention the adrenalin rush of trying to hide your credit card bills from your wife. And convincing her you won that latest batch of tackle in a fishing comp, making her think you must be one of SA’s top anglers you have ‘won’ so much.

And passing on the excitement to another generation is just as exciting and rewarding. And realising they are starting out on the journey of why we do what we. Watching them get excited landing their first fish.

And just being out there. On the water, or besides the water. In close proximity to Gods creation. Sometimes you can catch nothing and enjoy your fishing nevertheless because of the encounters you may have had, or just the sunrise you may have encountered.

And then to finish off a day with a delicious fish braai with a fish you have caught yourself. Life is good.
Fishing for the fun and excitement of it really is the ultimate recreational pleasure, even if your mom may have told you that the life of a pirate is the most rewarding seafaring pastime.

Fish for the love of it, because that’s what it is really all about.