The following blog is an excerpt from, “Hooked on Fishing in National Parks” by the National Park Foundation.
Fishing has a way of bringing people into the present moment.
As Sue Daignault describes it, “maybe it’s the hope of feeling that lively tug when a fish strikes.”
To notice that slight, or intense, vibration on the line, we must be paying attention to what’s happening in the here and now.
“It’s as if fly fishing re-wires my brain to see more positively,” says Sue.
If our mind is wrapped up and ruminating on a previous interaction, or what the future might hold, we may just miss that lively tug.
Sue Daignault, a fly fishing instructor with the L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Program, has more than 15 years’ experience as a Certified Casting Instructor with Fly Fishers International, and we were fortunate to chat with her about her love of fishing and national parks.
Talking with Sue reminded us that fly fishing and fishing in general is a practice in mindfulness, which has benefits for all of us. And, it’s also great fun to do with family, friends, and alone.
Through the National Park Foundation’s partnership with L.L.Bean, we’re helping people discover easy and enjoyable ways to get outside, like fishing, and feel confident while they’re doing it. At Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin and Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, we’ve helped make fun and inclusive fishing lessons for kids and families possible. We also partnered together on the National Park Service’s Junior Angler Ranger booklet, inspiring people of all ages to get out and fish.
The truth is, once people give fishing a try, they’re hooked!
We hope you’ll enjoy this glimpse into our recent conversation with Sue and be inspired to share your own fishing memories and tips in the comments below.
I grew up in Massachusetts and spent summers surfcasting for stripers with my family. My parents were schoolteachers and had summers off so we fished day and night for striped bass from Nauset Beach, Chatham, MA, to Provincetown and regularly visited all areas of Cape Cod National Seashore.
Continue reading, Hooked on Fishing in National Parks from the National Park Foundation here.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
