Denied

Big rods, big flies, on big water. I was slapping the banks and see a trout nosing the tail of my fly on its way back to the boat. So what do I do? Pull the damn thing out of the water, and send it back at the bank in a nice timely manner, as the pursuer swirls and swims back out of sight.

This was the first time I had intentionally denied a fish my fly. For anglers more experienced than I am, this is familiar. However, I can still recall the days when seeing a fish coming in on a streamer gave me goosebumps. That never stops being fun. Playing a fly in front of a fish and watching reactions is something you can learn from if nothing else. That’s what happened though, I saw the fish, and that's why I pulled the fly.

Had I let that 11” or so rainbow eat, it only would’ve denied me the chance at that monster brown that could be lurking hungrily in the next spot just ahead. I kind of want to say it went against my instincts to pull the fly, but in reality it didn’t. You tend to get a case of tunnel vision with this kind of fishing, and that bow wasn’t on the days menu.

Scanning the bank downstream, I didn’t have time to mess with the little guy. So again, I denied him, and dropped my fly back on the bank in that next fishy spot. A few good strips, and then a pause to let it slide down a drop off, again followed by a couple strong strips, and on the third pull of the line, I felt it. A strong hit, stripping longer to set the hook, but no connection.

I missed him that time, but I have no doubt this was the caliber of fish I was looking to feed. I took a moment before casting again. It felt good to realize another lesson from the river, and see my fishing evolve somewhat of a step. That's what many days on the water are all about I think. Those good days when it all comes together, make it much easier to pull the fly again.