Thursday, July 5, 2012

Beautiful, Small Independence

There are times when catching big fish is the goal.  Tournaments, and the likes, place added stress on my fishing.  I started fishing to get away, to relax, to enjoy nature and life.  I think I have spent too much time focusing on the big picture and forgetting the art in small things.

Don't get me wrong, I am not going to stop tournament fishing.  It is a part of my life, and something I truly enjoy, but I need a break, I need to get back to what I love.  I need to start appreciating the small things that make life so beautiful again.

I spent the 4th of July doing just that.  It was a day to relax with my wife and son, walk a small trail along Las Moras Creek, and cast a fly rod a couple times.  It was independence.

I caught small fish, on small line, on a small fly rod, from a small creek, in a small park, in a small town, in South West Texas.  Just look at these pictures from the 4th, and you will see the beauty in small things again.  The colors of these small fish make them true trophies.  The turquoise in them fits in nicely with my little corner of the world.















I hope you enjoyed, and I hope you find your own beautiful life.  Take time to notice the small things.

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4 comments:

  1. Pat, I feel ya. Two years ago I got so caught up in tournament fishing that I totally burnt out. I started cutting back the number of competitive events I fish and it really paid off. I also learned that I would rather make a longer drive a lot of the time if it meant new scenery, people, and experiences. It is a tough balance for sure.

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  2. Great article Pat. It is hard to find a balance, an identity as a fisherman. I have been tournament fishing this year, which completely derailed my planned commitment to big bait fishing for the entire year. It has brought me a lot of growth and opportunities, but it comes at a price. I am traveling to a big bass lake this weekend to pursue some "opportunities," but I find myself dreaming of the small rivers where I am in true bliss.

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  3. When the history of Fish Tattoo is written, this post shall mark the point in which you, as a writer, really hit your stride. Beautiful words and a powerful message. It's so easy to get disillusioned; thanks for the reminder to seek the true joys of angling.

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  4. Beautiful thought, beautiful pictures, beautiful post. I'm so proud of who you are. Love you!

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