I just wrapped up reading the book and it was an enjoyable read that kept getting better with each chapter. As mentioned above, it was interesting to learn of the work Perkiomen Valley TU did with riparian buffers and the positive effects it had. I suppose in many ways it mirrors the work other TU chapters have done in protecting our waterways. Kudos to those of you who have put your blood, sweat, and tears into restoration and conservation work!
As I worked through the book I found many sentences or sections that really seemed to hit home with me. It's not unrealistic to think that as fly anglers many of the sentiments are a common theme across the community. As I came across a sentence or thought, I tried to highlight. Below are a few the ones that really stood out to me:
"I tend to choose fishing locations or times of the year that will afford me a more solitary experience, but occasionally I incidentally appreciate encounters with strangers, some of whom fish, and others who might not have any connection to the sport. Aside from those encounters, I tend toward introspection when I fish." p. 1
Nailed it. We're all different when it comes to when, where, and who we fish with. But these thoughts rang true for me.
"I tried to visualize it in relation to previous jaunts to similar places, though I've yet to come across a place that matched my imaginary expectations. It seems that every stream defines its own character, no matter how neglected." p. 11
So true. When I scout out a new stream or place to fish, rarely does the experience end up being how I envisioned it. A wide range of factors end up being different than how I perceived the stream in my head (topography, surroundings, etc.). Sometimes the experience is better or worse than the mental image I had painted in my brain, but rarely is it exactly how I thought it would be.
"Fishing for any species, no matter how low on the value metric, should be all that's necessary for the experience to be complete." p. 178
Bingo. While we all love to catch majestic wild trout, at the end of the day the simple act of fishing (and hopefully catching) is the ultimate prize that recharges the soul.
"The features of natural beauty melt our stresses, and the act of fly fishing absorbs our concentration so completely that the experience is elevated to a plane that conveys our near worship of the sport. Part of what makes these surroundings so pleasant is the detachment they allow." p. 183
In a highly connected world such as the one we live in, unplugging and immersing oneself in an activity that helps a person tune out all the external "noise" is critical. Fly fishing is almost a meditative experience, where it's just you and the stream.
"I've come to regard fishing less-traveled streams as a preferable experience, even if they feature fewer fish." p. 184
Sometimes less is more. It's as simple as that.
"However, guiding your home water's most favorable fishing prospects, the planet's best future, and your own optimal health may begin with the contents of your grocery cart." p. 194
I switched to a plant-based diet almost ten years ago and haven't looked back. While I eat my fair share of processed plant-based foods, I've never felt better than when I dial my diet in and get closer to the earth. The closer we can get to the earth with our food, the healthier we become. It's really that simple. I ditched meat and dairy not for health reasons, but just out of curiosity. I'm not here to convince anyone of the benefits of a plant-based diet, but there is a direct correlation between diet, personal health, and the world we live in. My good buddy Shakey on here is another one I know of who is also a plant-based eater.
In closing, I would highly recommend this book as it's an easy and entertaining read. It covers streams and areas that may be familiar to all of us and in a way that as anglers we can relate to.