Frame of mind on the river
Like most anglers, I try to be gentlemanly when it comes to fishing. But when pursuing rare or elite fish, it's difficult to remain couth.When there are tens of thousands of salmon in the river, jealousy does not exist. I am proper and honorable. When it comes to steelhead and big king salmon? I'm a selfish Neanderthal - the Mr. Hyde of the fishing world.Well, not really, but you know how it goes. It's hard to be relaxed this time of year when people show you videos of chrome steelhead and tell stories of others who caught six. Six? Really? Six? Six in one day? Even if it wasn't six, some is way more than none and the thought of more than one is enough to get my steelhead glands twitching.You try to be happy for others who are successful, but when it comes down to it, if anyone is going to do the catching, you'd prefer it to be you.This is why fishing alone is a preferred method for many. Or if you're fishing together, you're going in opposite directions, not splitting a good run. When you are forced to share the same section and your buddy brings a steelie to hand, it stings. Your pal should be thanking you. Of course he caught a fish, you gave him the good spot.This then leads to fake enthusiasm as if giving a gushing account of your buddy's skills will tilt fate in your favor next time.See full column at:http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/stories/021115/out_1238416685.shtml