Sometimes it’s not about the catch
Being stuck in Covid quarantine really makes me miss the normal things that brings happiness and satisfaction to my life. I have lost the ability to see other people, enjoy a meal with someone, and the days turns out almost the same as the day before. I have no calendar to follow, no time to pay attention to, no visitors and it almost feels like a prison. Off course, I could put on my boots and take walks and keep my distance to people, but I am not sure I feel strong enough for this. Walking across the hall to the toilet and back is exercise enough.
At this stage I am happy that I know what awaits me outside that door. I feel humble and quite small when I know this pandemic has turned the world upside down for most people and lots of suffering is brought to them. I have been lucky, and I know it.
Making my living as a health care worker within mental health, I am aware of the consequence of being alone. I see it every day. Most of these people has limited resources and get stuck in a bubble it is difficult to burst on their own. And that is before Covid.
When I am out fishing alone on one of my expeditions, I think I am with the person I like best in the entire world. And I enjoy my time apart from everyone. And everything. In another word – I enjoy the company of me. This is my strength, my stronghold, my sheltered waters. This is what always saves me, and always stretches out a hand when I am in trouble. I can think my own thoughts in fresh air, with two eyes glued at my rod tips hoping for a bite.
This year I plan on reading more when out fishing. I am sick of using my phone as entertainment when the fishing is slow. I used to read in my earlier days, but it has been harder to find time for it as life got in the way. Luckily, I have a bunch of the Norwegian western series “Morgan Kane” waiting in my garage, which will accompany me on my trips.
Gone fishing
First day out of Covid quarantine, and I am eager to get out. The weather is stunning. Packing my car has never been done this quick, and I curse myself when I realize I forgot my bait bucket in the garage.
Target species today are flatfish, either with or without a tail. This spot has produced some decent Thornback rays previously, along with some Plaice and a 3lb Turbot. I always return to this spot when fishing is bad, and I just want to catch some fish and chill in the sun.
Long Wessex rigs with a float bead on the higher snood is always a good choice when chasing flatfish. The Cox & Rawle Aberdeen Perfect in size 2 are good weapons of choice, as these have turned out to be a right size for flatfish and being strong enough to lift a Thornback ray up from the bottom. I can’t fault that in a small Aberdeen hook.
For me to throw out my baited hooks and hope for silence, calm and peace seems like a bad deal today, as the Dabs hit my baits repeatedly. After ten of them on shore, I could finally sit down and have a breather in the warm spring sun, enjoying my cold Coke and cinnamon buns.
After a while I got a slackliner on my right rod and I hoped for a Plaice, but it was a 5lb Thornback ray – hooked in the tail! The fight was hard, and I had to smile when the ray came up backwards.
The ray is carefully released back to the Abyss. They are a good fish to eat, but today I am not looking for filling my stomach but lowering my shoulders and raising my wounded soul, which desperately need nourishing of fresh air and adventures.
A few hours and three Thornback rays later, the southern wind turned slightly to the east, and came around the corner to the left. The warming sun had some problems keeping the cold away and I felt satisfied and called it a day.
To sum up my day out in the sun, this is just what I need. 14 Dabs and 4 Thornback rays came to visit me today
I like the smaller things, and this is just what the doctor ordered. I will keep my focus on the smaller things in life, live for each day and appreciate each moment.
Sometimes it’s not about the catch.
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