Saturday, May 12, 2012

10 Reasons Why Fly Fishing is the Best Sport Ever

Here is my list of the top reasons why fly fishing is, by far, the greatest sport ever:


10. Fly fishing's been around at least since Roman times, which means fly fishing has a rich heritage and diverse culture of influence responsible for shaping it into the sport and tradition it is today.  I'm pretty sure archaeologists have confirmed Ramesses was embalmed in Orvis tweed.


9. I'm sorry but you can't take a football, soccer, hockey, baseball, golf, sailing, skating, biking, etc. etc. trophy home and broil it for dinner.  In fly fishing, however, this makes perfect sense.


8. Fly fishing can be enjoyed year round.  Sure, there are more ideal seasons for the fish and the fisherman but that's part of the challenge...and we fly fisherman like a challenge.


7.  Fly fishing builds character.  We all know that great learnings can often only take place through the painful and frustrating experiences of life.  And this makes the rewards all the more sweet.  So yeah...get a load of that Mr. Tough Guy...and you thought that hit you took in your shoulder-pad was hardcore...


6. Fly fishing is a life-long pursuit.  In the words of Norman Maclean, "All good things, trout as well as eternal salvation come by grace. And grace comes by art. And art does not come easy."

5. A smaller crowd is better.  Fly fisherman don't have need or want of a bunch of screaming spectators to enjoy the feeling of success.  The victories of fly fishing can be had alone or with a few close companions.


4. Pretty much anyone who is willing can learn to fly fish. It doesn't matter if you're young or old, male or female, rich or poor.  But you have to take the time to learn, which means most never will.  It looks more difficult and more mysterious than it is, which keeps the local fishing grounds a bit less crowded...and for that I'm thankful.


3. Fly fishing is an artistic sport and not just because it is aesthetically pleasing to watch and has the coolest gear.  Fly fishing also has the best stories, the most interesting people, and unbeatable venues.  To further prove my point, Johnathan Goldsmith aka "the most interesting man in the world" is a real-life fly fisherman. 


2. Is the only sport where you can sit on the bench and still legitimately be in the game.


1. Roughly 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, so it's just simple math that fly fisherman will always have the bigger playing field.

So there you have it.  And while this list is purely my opinion, I think you'll agree any honest person would have to survey the evidence and conclude that fly fishing is, by far, the best sport ever.

2 comments:

  1. Good reasons. One more is that God wants us to fish. He sent Jesus, who helped Peter and his friends to catch more fish then ever before...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey!! I like the addition and thanks for reading and for the comment, Hordur!

      Delete