I can imagine some of the men I see today making an “add-on” like that to their $30,000 flats boat.
Purists. That’s what they call themselves. They own only the best tackle – the expensive variety. They fish out of only the best boats. They all wear the “right” clothing. I know about them because I went there one time. I still own a closet full of expensive fishing shirts and pants. At one time I leaned in the direction of becoming a Purist. But, no more. I found myself spending more time trying to impress the other anglers on the water than I did catching fish. But, no more.
I smile and wave when I see them go by, now. “There, but for some common sense that I finally found, go I,” I say to myself. Today, I have a functional, comfortable, fish-with-what-I-want, when-I-want attitude.
Oh, I don’t mind these guys. They are going through something I already went through and for which I am at peace. One day they will see it the same way I see it today. What does it matter the brand of clothes I have on? Why should I worry about having the latest fishing machine?
I have all I want right now. I have the joy of being on the water looking for a fish. If I find one, it’s great. If I don’t find one, it’s still great. There is no pressure to produce. There is no embarrassment for an empty fish cooler. The fact that I am able to be there, means as much as anything any more.
People measure success in different ways. And I am proof that that measure changes over time. Ten years ago I was one of those purists. Today, I measure a successful trip merely by the fact that I was on the water having a good time. Catching a fish is simply icing on the cake!
