What is it about fishing that is so in tune with the American spirit and way of life? Slow pace, day dreaming potential or the joy of not-knowing could all be reasons that make this one of America抯 favorite pastimes.?
When it comes to fishing, the image is forever etched in our minds: little boy or little girl getting to head out to the local pond to spend a day learning how to fish. Usually, we imagine it is dad or grandpa that gets to take the child out for their first time using the pole.?br />
This image is a popular one, made almost folkloric by its frequent appearance in country music and other popular songs. We imagine the little child memories with their parent that will last a lifetime. And, we imagine that the parent is getting to pass down more than just a passing knowledge of how to catch a fish properly.
Why is this image the first that comes to mind when we think of fishing trips? There are certainly many other popular ways to go about the sport from charters to bass boats. Yet, it is this image of the child and the adult going on an early morning trip to the pond with worms and grasshoppers in tow.?br />
There are many theories suggesting why this is the case and why this image reigns as popular fodder for singers and songwriters. One theory suggests that it encompasses the necessity to take it slow when you fish. The image of the child and adult is the perfect metaphor for the patience required during the sport. You can抰 hurry through the experience. You have to slow down and wait for bites, just as you can抰 hurry a child through childhood.
Similar to the theory of taking it easy and being patient is the theory that fishing allows for a certain amount of daydreaming, reflection or meditation. We often are caught up in our hectic lives and forget to leave a little to the imagination. Going out to the pond to fish allows adults to recapture that childlike ability to let your mind wander.?br />
Another idea is that the sport is like the American Dream in the sense that it is possible for anything to happen. You never know what is going to take a hold of the hook. There are little fish and big fish just under the surface and its possible to reel in either one. Part of the fun is the unknown and part of it is baiting the hook to try to catch the whopper.
When you factor in these theories of why fishing is so popular among Americans as a leisurely past time, you can see why the image of the child out on their first trip is a mainstay. There are many reasons to enjoy the sport from the desire to slow the pace to wanting a chance to daydream or just appreciating the unknown. Whatever your reason, take pleasure knowing that you are participating in one of America抯 favorite pastimes.
