10-28-2006, 02:13 PM
None of the above, at least for a first preference. I like a challenge. If I can catch fish "at will," every cast, or one right after another, it ges old in a hurry. Whether its 15 lb. silver salmon, small lake trout, schooling fish like stripers, saltwater fish like Jacks, or trout in a river rising with wreckless abandon. All of those ARE fun FOR A WHILE. We all like it when everything comes together and its like taking candy from a baby, but I wouldn't want to make a habit out of it.
For me, its can I fool a fish into eating something made of metal, rubber, or feathers that knows better than to eat it, or at least should. Its the challenge of making a fish eat. In most cases, that does involve larger fish because they are usually harder to "fool" than smaller ones. However, I've been stumped by silly little 8-inch brook trout, 2-lb bass, and even small lakers. In certain situations, the approach and presentation are most of the challenge. If they make it a challenge, and make me pay attention and actually do something to catch 'em, then I enjoy the persuit, regardless of size. Its the head game, me against the fish. And usually, its "advantage--fish," so when I catch one, I've done something.
As for quality vs. numbers, in my perfect world, there would be no weights, measurements, or counts. I don't care how many, how much it weighs, or how long it is. I'd give anythign to not have a scale or tape measure on my boat at the Gorge. Unfortunately, the majority of my customers want to know how long and how many pounds each fish is. Me, I just want to fool it, take a look at it, and go on to the next one. "How big is that one?" everyone asks. Can't you just look at it? It's that big! Who cares what the number is.
Fishing should just be a fun activity, not a score-keeping sport. That's what baseball, bowling and golf are for. But, that's just my opinion, and admittedly I'm in the minority.
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For me, its can I fool a fish into eating something made of metal, rubber, or feathers that knows better than to eat it, or at least should. Its the challenge of making a fish eat. In most cases, that does involve larger fish because they are usually harder to "fool" than smaller ones. However, I've been stumped by silly little 8-inch brook trout, 2-lb bass, and even small lakers. In certain situations, the approach and presentation are most of the challenge. If they make it a challenge, and make me pay attention and actually do something to catch 'em, then I enjoy the persuit, regardless of size. Its the head game, me against the fish. And usually, its "advantage--fish," so when I catch one, I've done something.
As for quality vs. numbers, in my perfect world, there would be no weights, measurements, or counts. I don't care how many, how much it weighs, or how long it is. I'd give anythign to not have a scale or tape measure on my boat at the Gorge. Unfortunately, the majority of my customers want to know how long and how many pounds each fish is. Me, I just want to fool it, take a look at it, and go on to the next one. "How big is that one?" everyone asks. Can't you just look at it? It's that big! Who cares what the number is.
Fishing should just be a fun activity, not a score-keeping sport. That's what baseball, bowling and golf are for. But, that's just my opinion, and admittedly I'm in the minority.
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