The Eternal Question for Anglers: What Are We Really After?
Standing by the shore, rod in hand, even if no fish bite, I’m still at peace. I might lie drunk among flowers watching leaves sway, or gaze at curling smoke as autumn deepens. Life has its bleak moments—fallen leaves, fading flowers—but there’s also the joy of harvest. Same mountains, same waters, same place; sadness and joy follow my mood. Sad? Time drifts away, never to return. Happy? Spring planting leads to autumn harvest, a cycle again. Life’s casual; I watch the moon wax and wane, flowers bloom and fall, and find leisure in it all.
Autumn winds ripple the water; life’s flavors stir waves. The moon’s cycles and flowers’ changes mirror life’s ups and downs. I smile at the hardship of leaving home, and stay optimistic about the scenery of flowing water and peach blossoms. Now that I’m middle-aged, honestly? I don’t even know what I’m fishing for anymore. But when I have free time? I’ll drive a hundred miles, rain or shine—heavy storms, sun scorching, climbing mountains, wading rivers, none of it matters. Skipping meals, sleeping outdoors? Describing anglers with the spirit of the Red Army’s Long March isn’t an exaggeration. And guess what? We love every second of it!
Is It For the Fish?
Let’s talk about catch and release in wild fishing. Most of the fish I catch go back where they came from—rarely do I end their little lives. Sure, I have a selfish side too: release today, so I can play tomorrow. Wild fishing resources are so scarce now; natural waters where you can actually catch fish are getting fewer by the day. Gotta leave a way out for myself, right?
Is It For the Sport of Fishing?
Think about it: clear waters, green mountains, lush trees, gentle breezes. Even if my float doesn’t move all day, I can sit by the water and watch the sun rise and set. Nature’s cycle unfolds right in front of me—what more could I ask for from the sport itself?
Or Is It For the Joy?
Today’s world is flooded with entertainment options, and fishing’s just one of them. But why am I obsessed with it? Is it clinging to the fun of childhood days in the countryside? Escaping the city’s noise? Dodging office politics? Or ditching the cutthroat games of business? I can’t put it into clear words—probably a mix of all, just in different proportions!
The Cycle of Fishing Through Seasons
Life in the world brings weariness; we’re busy with the realities of food, clothing, shelter, and travel. Tides rise and fall, so I let go of gains and losses, success and failure. With rod in hand, I fish in the countryside, laughing at life as I cast my line everywhere.
- Spring fishing: green grass and leaves surround me.
- Summer fishing: the sun’s ruthless, but the fish? They don’t care—they bite anyway (or not, but we still try).
- Autumn fishing: wind scatters leaves around the water.
- Winter fishing: cold rivers, snow all around—chilly, but weirdly satisfying.
Happy fishing? Oh, we’re definitely happy right in the middle of it all!
