Bait, cast and be merry!

Coming soon to Lovell is a place for residents and visitors to explore the mysterious pleasures of fishing. 

Many thanks to all the people involved in creating a place to fish at the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center – those who imagined a better purpose for the pond and those who worked to make it happen.

Fishing is about spending quality time with special people. Sure, it’s also great if you catch some fish, but truly it’s so much more.

My childhood memory of fishing is with my dad. Typical of the times, he would take my two brothers fishing -- you know, the male bonding thing. My mom saw me sulking every time, and surely it was her influence that got my dad to eventually take me fishing – just me. I felt like princess for the day. I couldn’t tell you what we caught, but being out on an adventure and having my dad’s undivided attention were the absolute high points.

Years later, shortly after we married, John told me that one of his favorite pastimes is to go pondering, which he was used to doing alone, but I was welcome to join him. When I gave him the “Duh?” response, with the accompanying puzzled expression, he explained that pondering meant going from pond to pond to pond, fishing all day long. Well, I had vowed to join him for better or for worse, so I accepted the invitation. Our times of pondering together definitely fall into the “for better” column. I have no fantastical stories about catching huge fish, but I do have memories of meaningful conversations and peaceful moments together.

Fishing is a good excuse to nurture your love affair with nature while nurturing your relationship with a special person. I know your cell phone feels like a living appendage, but unless you are a medical professional on call 24/7, turn it completely off. Unhook from the world as you bait your hook. Let go of anything unimportant to the exercise of fishing, which is everything else. Be totally present with your fishing buddy -- talking, laughing or just being together. Let your thoughts freely wander.

Feel the warm sun and the cool breeze on your skin. Hear the music of the wind. Watch the fish slyly maneuver to avoid you catching them. Observe the crawling and flying insects. Take in the scent of the field and the water. Marvel at the symmetry of a shimmering spider web. Immerse yourself in the order of the natural world. Be amazed at the level of contentment you feel.

In preparation for your next excursion, read or listen to “I Fish; Therefore, I am.” by Patrick F. McManus for hilarious insights into the philosophy of fishing.

Now ponder these: “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” – John Buchan; “Fishing is not an escape from life, but often a deeper immersion into it.” – Harry Middleton; “Some go to church and think about fishing; others go fishing and think about God.” – Tony Blake.