Are you the sort of angler who can't hit the water without going through any pre-fishing rituals. I know I can't do the trout any justice without a large bag of M&Ms in my pocket. David Nash takes a look at a few of his superstitions
This is what it's all about. There you stand, wading boots creeping to the water. That big, murky pool is plunging right in front of you, and you are certain there is a fat (and phat) fish hiding under that log. You have the right fly. You have the perfect angle. The sky is overcast. All you need is your lucky ______.
When it comes to superstitions, I'd like say we all have them, but I'm guessing that isn't completely true. For those of us who have even the slightest sense of self doubt and limited confidence, we might rely on something else to bring us up to par. For me, I have candied gummie fish. They are delicious, and they stifle my nervous tics on the stream. I don't
head to the water (salt or fresh) without a pack.
I've always leaned on superstitions. I played goalie in ice hockey through my college years, and it left me with the habit. I felt the pressure when I played goal, and the only way I could control the otherwise unpredictable situations was to follow my routines and superstitions. Whether it was
tying my laces a certain way, saying a few words over and over in my head, or approaching the face-off with the same crazy routine, these practices gave me a sense of control, calm and confidence in the face of the unknown.
But superstitions are not all good. As my college biology professor used to say, "There are no toxins, only toxic doses." I love this saying, because it can be extrapolated to so many things, including superstitions. A small dose of superstition will do you or your neighbour no harm, but in the extreme, they can 'eff up your day on the water pretty darn quick.
Let's do a test to see if you have a healthy relationship with your superstitions, shall we?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, it might be time to loosen that grip on your superstition (or at least trade it in for a less intense one):
1. Does failure to acknowledge your superstition ruin your day, regardless of the outcome?
2. Do you flip out inexplicably when a best buddy touches your lucky object?
3. Have you isolated yourself from friends and family members in order to "keep the magic going?"
4. Have you ever gotten in trouble with the law trying to keep to that special routine of yours?
5. Has the superstition ever caused you or anyone else to become physically (or mentally) ill?
**Note, if you answered "yes" to any or all of the questions but are pulling in some hogs with each cast, please disregard the advice to kick your habit. Keep it going my friend. If your family and friends really love you, they'll understand.
For me, superstitions ultimately add another dimension of fun to my fishing. Just as tying a bunch of flies prior to a trip helps me get excited, so do my superstitions. I guess I may not take them too seriously. I don't feel destroyed when I miss a fish after calling upon every talisman I carry. Instead, I am thankful I had a great day on the water. If it was a good day, hour, or weekend fishing, the charm must have worked. No matter how many suckers I caught and how many flies and trout I lost.
So, if you were paying for my advice (by all means, please do. I'll give you my paypal account if you want it.), this is what I'd tell you: if you have a superstition, enjoy it. Don't let it become a burden or stressor. It's okay to take it seriously, but be sure to laugh at yourself once in a while when it blows up in your face. Because it undoubtedly will. Ultimately, we all have a lot less control than we'd like to think we do. A superstition can lend you a little hope and confidence when the odds seem stacked up against you. But if you happen to leave those lucky tighty whities home, remember, it is just a superstition. You are still going to enjoy the day, regardless of your catch, and your buddies might even enjoy your company a bit more too.
FYI: My list of edible superstitions is growing. I'm up to Swedish Fish, Goldfish Crackers, and a can of sardines. My wife isn't too fond of the last one.
Take a look at Dave's blog and videos
Myleakywaders.blogspot.com