Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A Pretty Fly Way to Be Well
8:16 PM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
You
stand by the side of a slowly moving stream as it meanders over a set of
ripples established by the rocks in the riverbed. The bald eagle soars above as
it calls to its mate as they attempt to teach their eaglet how to catch fish to
eat. A river otter swims by as it curiously bobs its head up and down in wonder
of what you are doing in its home. You smell the freshly cut alfalfa and feel
the gentle breeze brush across your face. You are the only person on the entire
stream, almost as if it is your own piece of wellness in the moment that is meant
just for you. This visualization is just a taste of what a basic fly fishing
experience can include should you choose to give it a try.
One of the most
important pieces to wellness that I encourage others to consider is to
progressively seek out new ways to develop their mind-body-spirit connections.
Fly fishing is one activity that can arguably improve all three areas of health
simultaneously.
Fly
fishing is a form of fishing that involves the use of a rod and reel
combination that allows the fisherperson to imitate specific prey items to lure
fish into biting. The premise of this form of fishing is to observe insects in-
and outside of the water and then cast a similar-looking hand-crafted fly to
catch the desired species. Many people associate fly fishing to trout, thanks
in large part to A River Runs Through It,
where trout fishing is a main component in the character’s lives. However,
it is possible to catch fish ranging in size from a farm pond bluegill to
sharks while fly fishing.
While
it is always a terrific feeling to come home with a limit of trout after having
an experience similar to what was explained in the opening paragraph, it is not
the fish that draws me to fly fishing, but instead it is the process. The
process involves a significant connection of mind, body, and spirit while
feeling as though you are part of something much bigger. Your wellness too, can
stem from maintaining a sense of complete tranquility that leads to a humbling
interaction with nature and all of its wonders while fly fishing.
Mark Maule
Health and Wellness Instructor
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