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By Rozlynn Orr |
“Because female anglers are a minority, the eyes of the fly-fishing community are on us and, in a sense, we have to prove ourselves. By maintaining our integrity we can walk with pride among all anglers.”
In a time where the green moniker is being attached to every human product, every building, every car, every lifestyle, and ‘leave no footprint’ is the mantra of advertising and every spin doctor, we really should examine what this means to fly fishing. Yes, fly fishing is green, well, we’re outdoors, around trees, bushes, and plants and it looks green. The greening of fly fishing lies more under the tab of conservation, regard for our environment and for the environment we leave to future generations and to our children. Fortunately, the gentle art of fly fishing is already ahead of the curve with the practice of Catch and Release. It feels good to share the beauty of the fish, to share the tug on the line, to share the clean streams with those that will walk behind us. Fly fishing cannot always be a trophy fish or a numbers game. Greed in fishing works no better than greed in one’s life. The sport of fly fishing embodies the search for the soul, the moment, the mountain breeze, the salty spray…not the full stringer nor the dead fish mounted on the wall. Fly fishing seems to be expressly made for the easy spirit of women. Sharing, caring, exploring, learning and passing on to others. Next time on the water, be sure to slow down enough to have a meaningful talk with yourself and find your role in the passage of these great waters and fish to the next generation. Compassion and conservation are second to none in a woman’s soul. What we protect and pass on to the next generation is a legacy to our essence and our experiences. What more could we ask for?
