Almost daily, the question arises: Can one person really make a difference? The best answer is you never know until you try. It’s important that you get involved.
TOUGH TIMES FOR GOOD PEOPLE
Dollars are hard to come by. Even people with a lot of them are holding on to them more than ever. Inflation, recession, and a loss of faith in the economy may have something to do with it. Ultimately, it makes sense. Since the lockdowns and subsequent spending spree have ended, we have seen a slow down across the country. Fishing and fishing-related companies are feeling it too.
What was once a limited supply with plenty of demand has been replaced with lots of supply and a slow down of demand. Planning for the right amount of inventory is a crap shoot but rest assured people have not quit fishing. Instead of buying five bags of plastics they may be buying two. The “nice to haves” has been replaced by the “have to haves.”
TIRELESS RESOLVE
There is no doubt that every day is a test; a test of moxie and of wherewithal both in private life and fishing. People are still fishing, but fishing differently. Folks are not giving it up, but rather using a measured approach to how they go about it. Instead of following a trail all over the Midwest, now they’re fishing closer to home.
It’s more of a spreadsheet approach versus seat of the pants thinking. And rest assured if you are fishing to make your house payment or get rich, you are in the wrong business. Feathering your ego is indeed part of the game but it really comes down to asking a simple question: Why do I fish?
Everyone who loves to fish, camp or hunt has different reasons why they love it. Competition is part of the game for many, but personally I believe that can get out of hand. Many get bitten by the bug, I was there too, but I never ever wanted to lose a friend to competition. Those that like just taking a buddy have different reasons. It might be for a few fish for the table, quality time on the water enjoying nature or maybe just to blow the stink off. Those reasons have value too.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Fishing and the people that partake in it are a community, with strong ties to conservation and our waterways. They typically do more than just wet a line, and being in a club seems to add to that. Whether it is for lake improvements, charity, and looking out for a friend that may need help, they are the first to get involved. Taking their time to make things better is just what they do. A wise man once said “you can complain about it or you can get involved and change it” and most anglers get involved.
As a community, it is important to leave a positive legacy. That legacy can be charity and work within it, youth initiatives, or just being a good person and having another person’s back. The best people I have ever worked for were not bosses but rather facilitators and led by example. The best coaches are those that have those that they coach as important and do things that not only make them better players but also better people.
I had a lot of yellers and screamers in my career but I always knew they just wanted me to perform better. Many are still very important to me and that is their legacy. It sometimes takes eating little crow or admitting fault on both sides and rest assured the good ones would admit they were not always right.
CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG
I see this community of folks like that and even though I may not always agree, it is important to understand perspective. Building bridges can be hard, but if you understand where people come from it might just sway your opinion. In most cases, the ultimate outcome may just be better. Leaders do not have to tell you they are leaders, it’s how they carry themselves. I am a proud member of the lakes and fishing community and it’s important we nurture it.
When you are on the lake or around it next time, pick up a piece of trash, help someone load or unload their boat or just smile and have a kind word. Appreciate them for where they are and spread your knowledge and connections if you have them. “I appreciate you” goes a long way.
It won’t be long before cold weather and dreams of the water will be front and center. I suggest that we start the new year with a positive instead of a negative. It will make everyone feel better, and I bet you will feel better too.
