The Sympathetic Angler
The word fishermen brings to mind many adjectives – patient, persistent and rugged to name a few. However, I would argue that the defining trait all successful anglers share is sympathy.
Now countless girlfriends and wives may disagree, but allow me to rationalize…
A fishing trip’s outcome hinges on the angler’s ability to relate to his prey’s physical and mental state. For instance, on a windy day, a sub-par fishermen might head towards a sheltered shoreline or bay because it makes boat and lure control substantially easier. This decision is based on selfish motives and will ultimate lead towards failure.
In contrast, the sympathetic angler realizes that wind makes a fish’s life much easier, concentrating bait into key locations, resulting in near effortless hunting. This person inconveniences himself, and is rewarded for the effort.
Many anglers enjoy taking this emotional investment further, striving for an empathetic relationship with fish. This selfless mentality is most apparent around the holidays.
During this time, plummeting water temperatures force fish to overhaul their feeding strategies. They pursue slow moving prey to ensure that their calorie expenditure does not exceed the caloric value of the food they ingest (packing on the pounds, essentially). This behavior is often accompanied by fish retreating to their favorite wintering holes. Fishermen simulate these conditions by lounging on couches and gorging themselves on meals prepared by reluctant relatives and spouses. And while the casual viewer may interpret this as gluttonous, it is actually something much deeper.
Despite this obvious altruism and depth, fishermen remain stereotyped as emotionally, well….vacant. Shallow pools of feelings where love means a cold beer and commitment is using the same lure for at least an hour. But in my mind, nothing could be further from the truth.