Walk Softly

My Pal David

Fly fishing has been compared to an artist at work. Some call it an art. Some call it a science. I call it fun. Fly fishing to me is much like turkey hunting. The more you learn, the more there is to learn. The fish itself, the habitat, the equipment, the technique, tying your own flies all lead to becoming a successful fisherman. One can be versed in all these things but success will be lacking if one doesn't walk softly while in the stream. Wading brings a special enjoyment in itself. There is something about standing in the middle of a river or stream that soothes the soul. Touching nature and allowing nature to touch you. Deer, turkey, beaver and all wildlife seem to not see the person who is up to their waist in water. Wading brings all these things but most of all it brings fish. I have stood in one spot in the South Branch and without moving an inch caught twenty-four smallmouth. Yes, I have a creditable

witness. My point is that proper and careful wading is not only rewarding but in my opinion is the best way to catch fish. The more I fish, the more I suspect that fish can tell when I step into the river. I may be exaggerating but my point being, we must wade very carefully to be successful. The lower, calmer and clearer the water, the more gingerly we must wade. Not only do fish sense our wake but they also hear our feet shuffling across the bottom gravel. Stock fish like you would hunt turkey; slow, easy, carefully and as quiet as possible. That five-pound smallmouth may be yours if you walk softly!

Photograph by: Carl D. DeFazio

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