Alan Gage wrote:
At the risk of dragging this off topic I've often wondered if that's really the case or not. On an extended trip where I'm going to be working hard I've always understood what my body really wants is fat, which is in short supply in most fish. I've googled it before and it sounds like man can not live on fish alone so you're still bringing other foods to give you fat and carbs.
So when you figure in the weight and bulk of fishing rods, tackle, and maybe a larger frying pan I wonder how much weight you really save. What foods could you leave at home that fish will replace?
Sadie might like a fresh fish fillet in her kibble
I have not much bothered to fish on paddling trips in several decades. I bring decent food and enough of it, and fishing no longer high enough on the list of things I enjoy doing around camp. Even with my usual abundance of down time, unless I am in an area where I know it will productive, meh.
I will readily forage for clams and mussels on coastal trips, but that is as easy as dragging a clam rake or easier still plucking mussels off the bank. BTW, clam rake, think - thick 6’ long handle, wide rake, a dozen deep (sharpish) tines and wide basket. Tines sunk in a chunk of ethafoam for storage safety. Not small and not light, so there better damn well be clams.
We always brought some light tackle on backpacking trips in the Rockies. And always caught trout, which was appreciated and tasty in augmenting yet another noodle or rice supper. That frequently allowed us to stay a day or three beyond the planned limit of our foodstuffs.
Part of it, for me, was simply the carnivorous pleasure of fresh flesh with a limited food selection.
The difference in taste between something that was swimming around an hour ago, and something that was swimming around days or weeks (months) ago, in distant lands, that got here by trawler, packing house, freight and retailer, is what you might expect. Astounding.
Folks who have never actually eaten fresh fish (yes, those poor souls do exist) are often surprised at first taste. My wife did not and had never liked fish. Until she ate her first trout high in the Wind River Range.
Entering a retired stage of life I have been considering taking up rod & reel again. Maybe just catch and release; the feel of a fish on the end of a line is thrilling in a uniquely tactile “There’s a live thing on the other end of this line!” sense, and if properly waged the capture involves some thinking and reaction and quick strategic choices.
Hmmm, I’m talking myself into pulling out the rods and reels. A fish on the line is still a very special feeling, and one that transports me back to childhood.
Question for frequent fisher folk – is there still a bit of thrill when you set the hook?