FISHING
In Defense of Fishing Therapy

Fishing Therapy is often misunderstood and criticized for its approach, licensing procedures, costs and results compared to other forms of counseling. Therefore, it is time once again to discuss the benefits we had once thought so obvious, and how to achieve them.

The first step is to buy a fishing license. I recommend asking for one at Christmas time so that you have the entire year to enjoy its benefits. Failing that, pony up $38.85 on the first day of the year and you are ready to go. How many times have I heard someone say, "I'd love to go fishing with you but I don't have a license," or "It's so close to the end of the year, it's really not worth getting one now." This is one of the first signs of a chronic illness that manifests itself in whining. It clearly indicates a lack of commitment, not to mention being just plain cheap.

Fishing Therapy requires true honesty and integrity. I know from experience that even the fish seem to know who is licensed and who is not. Being in the backcountry where being observed is unlikely is no excuse for not signing up and may denote other character flaws.

The late, distinguished professor of semantics S.I. Hayakawa noted that fishing is the only sport that can be enjoyed by all people, regardless of social or economic status. Unlike golf, tennis or swimming, for example, one need not join a club or buy expensive equipment. Once outfitted, we are set, with a few occasional modest embellishments from time to time. Unlike football, basketball and baseball, the skill level of the participant is mush less important as well. Neither age, gender nor national origin is a factor. There is no snob appeal to Fishing Therapy. It is open to all who are not mean-spirited. Share and share alike.

Fishing Therapy truly has some unique qualities. I believe it should be encouraged as a point of interest and required in mandatory premarital counseling. It can be great for couples, even if they use the event just to get out of Dodge and one person doesn't actively fish. It also offers an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by parents and their children for many, many decades. And let's face it, it's just not easy to say, "Honey, I'm going to Idaho for a week to shoot pool and hang out in the bars." Fishing offers a credibility that no other sport can.

To quote Scottish diplomat, barrister, journalist, historian, poet and novelist John Buchan, "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." Life is great but don't let it become a drag. The rushing water, the landscape and the colors are all very uplifting. Once Fishing Therapy focus is achieved, any drudgery of the world back home melts away. All that matters is the hunt, the search and the adventure. One pool may not pan out but there is always another. The fish aren't biting today but there is tomorrow. It's too hot right now but will cool off this evening. Every day, every minute, every cast and every step is a completely new, invigorating adventure. Bringing a cell phone, laptop or other electronic device is a terrible idea. The wise choice, the prudent choice, is to hang out the shingle stating "Gone fishing."

In the case of most fish, and especially trout, their presence is an excellent barometer of the state of the environment. For better or for worse, these wonderful creatures don't make it in pollution. Fisher-people quickly learn to be very sensitive to this, supporting such things as a ban on fishing for the mighty steelhead trout in some locations, as well as various species of Pacific salmon. Catch-and-release is an increasingly important and respected practice.

Making this choice is quite a decision. Is it too big, too little, more than I can eat today? Will the next one be bigger? Will there be a next one? I recommend eating your catch the day it is made or carefully letting them go. All of the benefits that accrue to those experiencing Fishing Therapy require that this critical evaluation occur. Do you kill it or let it go?

The fly fishers have made this into a science, using a teeny, often barbless hook that the fish can't swallow, with minimal damage done when one is caught. If the decision to release is made, please make sure the fish is not damaged. If damaged, take it home and eat it. Make sure also the fish can swim away. I recommend not removing it from the water, gently removing the hook, and cradling it in your hands to see if it can swim away. If not, draw the fish backward through the water, forcing water through the gills until it scoots off into the depths. Artificial resuscitation really works on these guys. They are not really a renewable resource.

Do you need Fishing Therapy? Are you lost? Lonely? Feeling like your parking space in life is a red zone? Cheer up! Write Uncle Paul, Licensed Fishing Therapist, c/o USG Fishing Counseling Center, P.O. Box 4520, Berkeley, CA 94704. We are here to help.