The Facts about Fishing

I had the opportunity to go fishing this weekend with one of my buddies. We headed up to Southport, NC where we fished the inland streams, creeks, marshes for some trout, flounder and redfish. We had a blast even though we only caught two fish. (Technically, he caught two fish, but I drove the boat and positioned him to catch the fish; so, WE caught the fish!) We had a blast! Even though we caught no fish, we had a blast. So why do we call it fishing instead of blasting?

Because of our meager catch, I have pondered the facts about fishing. Here is what I've come up with:

Fact #1: Fishing really isn't always about catching fish.
Fact #2: Fishing really isn't always about relaxation.
Fact #3: Fishing really isn't always about experiencing the great outdoors.
Fact #4: Fishing really isn't always about hanging out with your friends.
Fact #5: Fishing really isn't always about the equipment (or failure thereof).
Fact #6: Fishing really is always about catching fish.
Fact #7: Fishing really is always about relaxation.
Fact #8: Fishing really is always about experiencing the great outdoors.
Fact #9: Fishing really is always about hanging out with your friends.
Fact #10: Fishing really is always about the equipment (usually, the failure thereof).

Herein rests the paradox of fishing. The purpose, for recreational anglers like myself, is determined by the results of the fishing trip. If we don't catch anything, the first five facts apply. If we catch an amazing amount of fish, the second five facts apply. Either way, you have a blast!