43
Why do I enjoy fishing?
For me and for many, fishing is more than finding the fixings for a free fish dinner.
Over the year’s I have offered a number of reasons for the utter enjoyment we anglers experience while fishing. An existential nerve jangles whenever we are engaged in the activities that comprise “fishing.”
While the reasons are many and fairly easy to describe, the “why” that defines them is not so easy. So what we do is fine, but why we do it really is the essence. Are you with me?
I think I’m getting closer to understanding why.
But before I put up that thought, you should know I’ve sifted through a variety of why’s.
Do I fish because I eat fish? No. I like to eat fish, yes, but I much prefer someone else cook me a haddock or a tuna than me messing up our own kitchen.
Do I fish because I love nature? No. Yes, I like nature, but I can get plenty of that on a walk through Poland Woods or Mill Creek MetroParks.
Do I fish because I love fresh air and sunshine? No. While I’m a big fan of summer (my perfect world would be a 360-day summer and five days for chillin’), I probably get just as much sun on the golf course as on the lakes.
Do I fish because I seek adventure? Hmm. Now we’re nearing the essence of why I fish. It no doubt is the “why” for many others, too.
Why? Discovery.
The “why” that drives me to the water is the excitement of discovery. Every day is new. Every cast is a hope. Every acre of the lake, no matter how many have seen it before, is uncharted water – a fresh set of circumstances dictated by the moment and the conditions.
I know, for example, that no matter how many times I’ve fished Lake Milton, the next time I go there I will see something new and experience the lake as I’ve never experienced it before.
I know that I’ve made millions of casts for largemouth bass, but the next one that connects will teach me if I am attentive.
I know that just about the time I become satisfied that I’m brimming with knowledge, I’ll detect a gap that is causing me to fail.
Discovery is as essential to the human condition as eating, breathing, shelter and reproduction. That I can satisfy my discovery itch on the lakes and rivers around Youngstown is a pretty big deal.
I discover, therefore I am!
Discovery for children
Two events today are geared especially to children who want to go fishing.
At Evans Lake starting about 10 this morning, the Kids Fish ’n Fun event allows children to fish and play at the lake just off the end of Calla Road. Hosted by Aqua Ohio and supported by Fin Feather Fur, Wedgewood Pizza and Muransky Companies, the event offers refreshments for all and a goodie bag for the first 200 youngsters.
At Lake Milton this morning, children can enjoy a coached opportunity to fish at the state park’s Meshel Picnic Area. The kids event is organized and hosted by the Cleveland Chapter of Muskies Inc.
Bait will be provided at the Evans and Milton events.