No Bad Days

 

by Jon Easdon, Director of Services

 

You’ve waited patiently for a break in the work week and a break from life’s demands to get to the water. You’re finally there, looking forward to a nice relaxing day. Then, all hell breaks loose. If you have spent any time fishing, you can certainly relate to those days where everything is just off.

 

Endless knots, break-offs, and calamity just keep piling up. Your buddies seem to be hooked up every time you look over at them. High fives frivolously flying through the air.  Not you … you are just flat out flailing.

 

This type of day happens to us all, even guides. There is no rhyme or reason to this, other than just not being on your game.

I can think of a few times I had a real bad day like this. A broken rod or two.  Lost fish due to silly errors.  Even a lost flybox with 500+ hand tied flies. No matter what happens, it’s a good idea to try and re focus and get to enjoying your day. 

 

Here are a few tips to help you get your head back into the flow and change your day around — or at least change your attitude.

 

 

One of the first things I try and do is take a break. Sit down alongside the river and be grateful  for just being there. If I can calm myself down, this is usually the solution for me. I can also add a little stroll down river to this concept for increased effectiveness. 

 

 

Second, I go simple with everything. Simple set ups, simple drifts, and a simple mindset. I try not to over think anything. Maybe I just set up a one fly nymph rig and execute small drifts. Simplify.

 

Third, take pictures of your friends. You probably do this anyways, but there is nothing like relishing in the joy your friends are having on the water. This really helps you to get out of your head and can change your attitude very quickly. 

My saying is “Some days you’re the bat, some days you’re the ball” and it holds true for every angler I know.

 

Remember, you are one of the lucky few that get to be on that stretch of water that day. Don’t let the thing between your ears ruin it for you. After all, it’s only fishing.

 

 (all photos courtesy Jon Easdon and Hookset Flyfishing)