Darrell Upton explains what fishing means to him, we think you'll agree
I regularly get asked why I fish, but I very rarely answer with anything other than a defensive speech. Usually asked by people who don’t understand or by people that have tried but not found a connection with fishing. Why do I fish?, Well I've noticed throughout my life there are certain patterns in things I engage in. Everything I've ever taken part in, or had interest for has involved the outdoors. Throughout my childhood I fished regularly and even though I drifted away from time to time, something always brought me back. My fishing always leant towards stalking methods and scenarios where I could watch my quarry. With age came commitments and those once easily feasible long weekends soon became difficult to keep up. Eventually I stumbled upon fly fishing through a close friend; everything I ever wanted from fishing suddenly came together in one discipline. Stunning scenery, remote locations, plenty of wildlife and the list kept on growing the more I went. I sometimes think that our inner connection/subconscious attraction to fishing must relate back to man's natural instinct to hunt? Because something more than just passion and enjoyment draws me out onto the water each week. So in short I think fishing provides me with an escape from today's society and the cluttered lives we all live and allows me to enjoy nature in all its beauty whilst catching some fish.
The places I choose to fish reflect back on why I fish. Very rarely do I fish commercial still waters. 99% of my fishing is done on rivers and brooks, the wilder the better. I love driving into some remote part of the country to be met by a gorgeous meandering river full of life and beauty. Seeing animals, trees and foliage thrive along the river banks is very pleasing, and even if I don’t catch I'll still have had a great day. When choosing a river to fish I am very drawn to rivers with lots of rough water like riffles, pocket water etc. The majority of my fishing is done using varying styles of nymphing and although nymphing can be performed on all rivers I do prefer waters that favour these techniques. I wouldn’t say there is a boundary as to how far I'd go to fish, if it's possible for me to go then I will, I'd love to fish every corner of the UK and further afield at some point.
Fishing means a lot to me it gives me something to concentrate on, I enjoy delving into new techniques and trying to constantly improve as an angler. Fishing is like a giant puzzle and I believe the more pieces you obtain the better understanding you gain. It provides me with the escape from everyday life and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. I'm an arborist by trade, I've done some work involving improvements to existing rivers/brooks which I've found very satisfying to give something back to something which gives me so much. I would love to do more to help improve our rivers and waters throughout the UK. Fishing has made me want to learn more about our water ecology and possibly be able to contribute at some point in my life. Fishing isn't just a hobby it's part of my life.
Tight lines
Darrell Upton
Thetreetrout.co.uk