The Passion…

by Duncan Maclean

For years, I have been asked why do you go fishing? Most are confused as I really do not like to eat fish, and get asked “Why?” Well I simply don’t like it!

Many years ago, in England, long before I moved to the USA, we had a family vacation to the north-west coast of England. One day as a four or five-year-old, I saw someone fishing and asked for a fishing rod. Since that fateful day, I have fished as much as possible, caught all manner of fish, from tiny ponds to huge lakes and rivers in several countries.

In the early days, I fished with my Grandfather and his neighbor. Charlie Laughton, who was a legend in my home town of Hartlepool. Quiet possibly the finest, most well-regarded angler in the area. His knowledge was outstanding, and understanding of where the fish would be, and at what time of day and year. While I learned to untangle lines due to my Grandfather being, shall we say, a little rough, Charlie refined me into a more competent, efficient and a more determined angler. I’d visit with him at his home frequently, and over a few cups of tea, he’d share stories and sound advice. Due to Charlie sharing his knowledge with me, I learned how to fish for Pike, Carp and Barbel to devastating effect. All of which I had never seen him do, he could just talk you through the whole process. This guy was amazing, a gentleman, and truly a legend.

For my 11th birthday, my mother went to the local fishing tackle shop to buy me a new fishing rod. When she said to the owner “I have no idea why he is so fascinated”, Pip Arrowsmith replied, “It is a basic hunting instinct we are born with”. Those words were profound to me at the time, and still strike a chord today.

There is certainly something magical, special, electric about fishing. It is hard to explain, the thought of getting out on the water, I just don’t know how to equate the sensations or feelings into words that can truly account for my passion to fish. It’s certainly not all about catching…

There are times when fishing with my kids, in a group or solo are great. All in their own regard are fun. With my kids, it is more of learning experience for all of us. With friends, it is more social and usually comical. There are so many funny stories, however some are not fit for publishing… As an example, “ladies and Gentlemen, I give you my good friend, the late, great Richard Somerville…” Any one who knew him will know what I’m talking about… We all miss you mate!!!

Fishing solo, well that is something very special. This is when I can focus 100% on my intended targets without any distractions. From picking my location, baiting and tactics, well that is all on me, no other variable involved whatsoever.

When arriving at my chosen location there is a significant air of anticipation. I still get nervous the night before a trip, sleep poorly and wake before my alarm. Considering after all of those years since I first fished, those words uttered by Pip Arrowsmith still hold a profound meaning to me. Thinking about the venue, where would one anticipate the quarry to be located? Weather conditions prior, during and after the trip. Atmospheric pressure, wind, rain, bait, chum. So many potential variables, some many options. Sometimes the planning has gone on for days and weeks, sometimes a spur of the moment and out of the door.

A rushed session normally means something gets missed, and I have a few tales to tell right there. Once, well twice I forgot I had Delkim D-Loks on the alarms and got to the venue realize the feet were not attached to the buzz bars. To make matters worse, my prototype bait boat malfunctioned when the marker rod braid got wrapped around the props, then what I thought was hard pack mud, well let’s just say it wasn’t… One time I forgot my reel, another I arrived Upstate New York without a landing net… Luckily, I bumped into Jason Bernhardt that day, and he kindly lent me one.

The comradery of fishing is staggering. I’ve fished with carp anglers all over the USA, and to be fair, all have been top people. John Fantasia in Virginia, Donald Ambrico in NYC, Jason B, Chris West in Upstate NY, Jered in LA, also had a nice day session with Mr. Wayne Boon while on vacation in LA a few years ago.

Traveling around the country definitely has improved my angling. Various locations, different methods and some radical approaches. John in Virginia freelines yellow cornmeal that has been boiled into a firm paste. It works and has hammered carp on it. Jason B gave me a bag of premade flavored corn, and I smashed out a few thirties and numerous 20’s on it. Don has been instrumental in me fishing several areas in the NE and Virginia coast line.

We all have our own reasons for wetting a line, some for simple fascination, others family involvement, some the simple, primal instinct to hunt. What is more important to me than catching the biggest fish, is simple; enjoy yourself.