Let me start off with saying this is kind of long and took alot for me to write so please be patient while I explain a few things.

To me there is two things that I have passion for in life first and formost is my family and second is fishing.

A little about me I grew up in the Okanogan, graduated high school there and got college in school of hard knocks. Then moved to this side of Washington as a young man after my father died to be closer to my family whom had already moved.

Last year I was diagnosed with a pretty severe case of Bipolar Disorder (manic depression). Which explained alot about me and how I am and have always been. I have a hard time dealing with crowds etc. So with such a disorder I find it hard to find and keep work, but luckily I have now come across an organization along with some state help to get me back into the work force.

I count my blessings everyday for a loving strong wife who works a regular job and also delivers papers via a motor route at night to support us. I also thank God for my GORGEOUS 5 year old little girl who is daddies shadow, whom without life would be empty.

Now for the reason of the title.

To me fishing is not just a casting a line to catch a fish or to get food. Nor is it for the the excitement of the fight of that tremendous opponent. Rather to me it is a reason for being. It gets me in touch with who I am and the nature of this earth. The water bugs skimming across the water, the annoying fly bothering you just to have a bit of salt.

I sit back line reeled up staring into the lake in wonder about all the things the make it up I look to the sky after I realize I see the reflection of it and the mountains on the water. I look to the mountains and see the glory of life eternal and the past this earth has been through.

As I drive home from the lake, stream or beach I stop alot and just look over the landscape and realize this was meant for all of us to share. Good or bad we all live here and we share this place.

I close my eyes and the spirit of my forefathers does not seem so distant any longer.

Thank you for reading and also thank you for your time just remember good or bad we are all bothers and sisters, rich and poor we just need to be ourselves.

Thank You

PT:

Well said.

I hate crowds too, and refuse to "combat fish" anywhere...no matter how hot the fish are running. Just ain't worth the stress.

Doesn't matter how many times we get to see the wonderous lands we are blessed to live in...at times it is a better "catch" to just sit back and stare at the beauty that surrounds us.

I often get the image of some poor SOB sitting in a non-descript office in a standard looking building in Chicago, secretely reading the latest issue of StS behind his bosses back (hidden in the pages of the latest Quarterly Report, no doubt) and wishing with all his heart he could walk away from that mess and leave it all behind just to have a few days of fishing in this country.

Ya...we are truly a spoiled bunch of people.

Mike

I know what you mean PT. Fishin to me is a way to get in touch(or hold on) to who I really am after the ratrace tries to destroy me.

Amen! Im starting to fish rivers and lakes more and more with alot less fish than nearby ones just because the crowds arent there and the scenery is...

Well said PT. Fishing is just something I can do out on the river. There are plenty of nice secluded stretches that receive little or no pressure. There are even some spots that only get fished by myself. I enjoy being out on the river for the same reason I enjoy hiking our wonderful trails, the experience and sheer joy I get from spending quality time where it counts.

Well said PT. Fishing is just something I can do out on the river. There are plenty of nice secluded stretches that receive little or no pressure. There are even some spots that only get fished by myself. I enjoy being out on the river for the same reason I enjoy hiking our wonderful trails, the experience and sheer joy I get from spending quality time where it counts.

PT,
I grew up in Port Townsend until around 1989, and after living in what I consider to be the "Big city", I figured out a way to get back to something similar to Jefferson County. Had I not moved to Island county in 1999 ... argh.

Anyway, you're lucky to be "making due" in such a good community in a truely awesom setting.

And on the days you do get stuck fishing with a crowd on the beach at Pt. Wilson (for example) take stock in the fact that it's a pretty good crowd to be stuck with. I also enjoy meeting some of the guys down there that are old enough to be my grandfather. You are right though, when you are first on the beach, nothing beats those prescious moments before the next guy comes and stands what seems way too close.

I know that my 7 year old daughter can make what seem to be huge troubles go right away - I am sure your daughter does the same.

Like my grandmother, who grew up in PT during the depression, always says:
"Tide's out - Table's set"

I'm sure you appreciate it, as you stuck PT in your screen name. I'm just across the water, but still envious of you.

Tight Lines, Jeff

Nice post PT!

Im from that area as well. Most of my family still lives around there in Jefferson County.

Most of us come from different backgrounds and jobs but we all have fishing on coman'

Jeff D I know that feeling of being first on the beach. It is calm I love the light misty snd low light how it plays off the water and the mountains and then slow roll of the water.

Rich I am happy for you being able to come back here I myself will never move back to my home area I love this side to much and appreciate what I have.

Thanks, PT