When You Can't Go Fishing

There's still plenty worth thinking about, though, and I hope you enjoy the front page and the thought-provoking articles. Rickard's piece on the role of strength had me reflecting on the gym work I've been doing lately with my son. It does seem to help, if only for maintaining general strength and fitness. I've also had a late renaissance in football, and that has resulted in the odd beating for my body, gym strength and fitness at least meaning I can stand up to those. However, I have a sprained finger and what I suspect was a prior broken finger, as it has taken months to come right, so I should be careful or give up! I like combat, hmmm.

Of course, when you can't go fishing there's preparing for fishing. "Avoid wind knots" is a simple enough statement, but there's quite a bit behind it. Park practice continues: how far can I cast with a short amount of line out, and how accurately, while controlling it all with my line hand? I'm glad of my optimism when it comes to fishing. I think back to the snakehead trip with Paul and realise that, while optimism is also a big part of it, there was still much for me to learn, but enthusiasm takes you a long way in life. It was a motivational trip and the experience was unforgettable as well. I am a much better caster now than I was then, and that moment helped me get to today.

The gear takes some thought too: which lines, how much can I carry, what flies, and so on. I'm planning to get out fishing a few times next week. There is some workshop work to tidy up parts of the fishing gear - it makes the day go smoothly. We've had some storms hit New Zealand this winter, but overall they've been relatively mild and short-lived, and the season is turning out quite dry. That means if I head out the rivers will be low and clear, and while spawning fish are arguably easier to fool, it's still a challenge. I need to lock in the gear lists and pack in advance, thinking light but complete. It's also cold this year, so being warm enough is something too!

Hope your week is going well and that the fishing is treating you kindly.