Why do I love to fish

I have been asking that question for many years now and still haven’t come up with a solid explanation

Is it the hunter gatherer in me that takes me out fishing so I can provide a meal for the table at the end of the day. Ever since I can remember I’ve always brought fish home to eat. Maybe not so much when I lived in the UK but certainly in South Africa and since living here in Finland. Yet there are plenty of days when I go out and release everything that I catch…..so maybe its not the hunter gatherer in me after all!

Could it be the challenge of trying to outsmart the fish especially with a fly that I have tied myself, part of it?
Or figuring out where the fish might be and why it is there, is another aspect of the challenge, that also takes me fishing.
Or could it just be that fly-fishing is just another avenue for allowing me to get outdoors and be one with nature?

I do know one thing though, And that is when I am out fishing, I completely forget about anything remotely pertaining to my life. In fact it has to be the only activity I have ever done, that for those few hours while I have a fly-rod in my hand I truly couldn’t give a toss about anything, except enjoying that particular moment. Its as if my mind shuts down completely. I’m sure the factors above play a big part in the experience as well, but at the end of the day fishing is more than a relaxant……….Its a sole cleanser!

I leave you with this quote by Charles F. Orvis
"More than half the intense enjoyment of fly-fishing is derived from the beautiful surroundings, the satisfaction felt from being in the open air, the new lease of life secured thereby, and the many, many pleasant recollections of all one has seen, heard and done."