It's Not Always About Catching

Angling Fish

follow this blog

81 followers

771 daily readers

rank of 20

E-mail Subscription

Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Category Quick Links

Environment

creatures

going green

conservation

[ more ]

Fish

freshwater fish

saltwater fish

[ more ]

Products

helpful products

[ more ]

Tips

knots

practical ideas

rigs

[ more ]

catfish

catfish baits

examples

[ more ]

tackle

hooks

line

lures

reels

rods

[ more ]

Pros

Non-US anglers

TV hosts

Female anglers

KVD

Touring pros

[ more ]

Lure making

Crankbaits

Topwater

Chatterbait

Other stuff

Prop baits

Spoon baits

Inline spinners

Flying C

[ more ]

Angling 101

Baitcasting

Spinning

Fly fishing

Surf fishing

Learn to fish

[ more ]

Funny stuff

Funny video

Funny stories

[ more ]

You can't fish all the time!

Books

Photography

Games

[ more ]

Spotlight Posts

Do rules always apply?

This is why I care about water

Fishing can help returning vets

Don't bother trying the Kick Tail

Strange fish we never hook

Weekend tip--Unhooking yourself

[ more ]

It's Not Always About Catching

July 18th 2007 23:44

People ask, “Why do you fish?” I usually respond with something like, “It keeps me off the street,” or the more Zen-like, “Why does a man do anything?” Although there are a lot of reasons to fish, I never really thought about it very much until last night. I had a nice little experience that never would have happened unless I was wetting my line.

I was with a friend and we were practicing what I was talking about in my last post—using live bait.

We had just put minnows on our hooks and prepared to cast when a family of ducks bolted over to us. Naturally, there was Mama Duck, and with her were five little ducks. Looking at the “babies” it was clear that they’d be severing all ties with Mom in a few weeks. This must have been one of the last trips they would make together!

As we baited our hooks, the minnows dangled 2-3 feet above the ducks and I guess this was too much for them. Going berserk, they tried taking flight, even stretching in an effort to get at the tasty morsels! All the while, they were quacking and splashing as Mama watched contentedly and quacked instructions. Not wanting to hook a duck, we stopped taunting them and threw out our lines but, the ducks sat at the water’s edge, watching us and quacking in demand for food.

After a few minutes, I shrugged, grabbed a minnow from the bait bucket, and threw it at the ducks, causing an orgy of feasting. After we both had a good chuckle, my friend threw a minnow a bit closer to us. Again, the ducks boldly grabbed the miniature fish! Finally, I grabbed another minnow and threw it right beside my feet. Still, the ducks were brave enough to get close enough to grab the minnow. AND I’m not talking about one EXTRA hungry or one bold duck. They all did this!

I’m not the type to wander aimlessly along the river. If I wasn’t fishing, I doubt if this would have happened.

Would I have caught this guy if I wasn't in Florida?

I have to admit something—most of the minnows ended up going to the ducks! It reminded me of the time my son and I fed most of our minnows to the birds at Lake Erie. What’s the point here? Sometimes we get too caught up in what we’re doing. Sometimes, the best thing about fishing is NOT catching fish!

I wish my kids saw this every day!

Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!

Vote

subscribe to this blog

follow this blog on Orble

start your own blog

[ Link ]

Posted By: James Rickard - Category: No Category

Related Posts:

Relate This Post

Recent Posts:
      Weed-resistant lures
      Shakespeare means more than fishing
      An app for nearly anything
      Mealworms
      One answer to a mystery
      AOY at the half way point
      Tips for bedding bass
      Adjustable diving lips ARE real
      A use for all those CD's you see along the road
      Tips on modifying a stick bait

[ Previous - Fishing in the surf?????? ]

[ Next - Live Bait vs. Lures ]

Comments

6 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Cibbuano

July 19th 2007 00:10

Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak

pretty cute!

Comment by James Rickard

July 19th 2007 00:16

unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...

About once every year or two I get to see something like that!!! It was REALLY pretty cool!!!!!!

Comment by charliesgirl_992000

July 19th 2007 01:16

Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity

These things right here are the beauty of life and fishing!!!" I love the just sitting listening to nature, watching for wildlife, casting my pole in and out, Talking to whoever i'm with. We once saw a beaver swim by, right in front of our doc. I don't think he ever even noticed we where there. Sooo beautiful!!!
LOVE your story here!!!!
Tammy

Comment by James Rickard

July 19th 2007 01:36

unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...

This is 100% absolutely true. It was truly the beauty of nature. I'm still psyched about this over 24 hours later! AND--I will say that I love the fact you related the beaver story!