Days turned to weeks as the insatiable need to return to the Delaware became too much to bear. Such things happen when one loses a large trout and then proceeds to lose not only sleep, but also numerous waking hours thinking of said fish. A day off between the two of us back in mid October proved to be all The Mick and I needed to make our trip. It would consist of a two and a half hour drive up, a fishing window of 6 hours, and the reverse trip back. Would you wake at 3:30 A.M. knowing you would drive a total of 5 hours to fish 6? I believe this might be considered by some to be a form of mental illness but there are those who regularly do these kinds of trips on actual business so, hey, who's calling who crazy?
It was a relaxed day of fishing with a quiet approach that produced success in both of our nets. As fate would have it, another big guy got off on this fine autumn venture. This time I saw him, though, as he hung five or six feet from me for what felt like an eternity as I attempted to get him to net. I couldn't reach him and I couldn't horse him. But I saw him. He was glorious.
I will get out fishing. Maybe Thanksgiving, maybe Christmas, February, March, I don't exactly know. But the fish that I hooked on the Delaware late in the game this year have both settled me and fueled me as I anticipate the next fishing season.
Thanks for sharing my Delaware journey with me these last few posts and I wish you all visions of tight lines as the short days are here and the cold follows behind.
Thanks for the enjoyable series, Mike. You almost got that big fish monkey off your back-- so close-- but maybe he was meant to keep you dreaming through the cold weather till you return again and even the score. But either way, a winner.
ReplyDeleteI think that must be the case, Walt. The quest continues until it morphs into another quest of the fly. But it will surely keep me warm. Thanks.
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