Those of us who fish in a fair, well-bred and reasonable way, for the
purpose of recreation and as a means of increasing the table pleasures
of ourselves or our friends, may well regret the apparently unalterable
decree which gives to all those who fish, under the spur of any
motive--good, bad or indifferent--the name of fishermen. We certainly
have nothing in common with those who fish for a livelihood, unless
it be a desire to catch fish. We have, in point of fact, no closer
relationship than this with the murderously inclined, whose only motive
in fishing is to make large catches, and whose sole pleasure in the
pursuit is the gratification of a greedy propensity. Nevertheless we,
and those with whom we have so little sympathy, are by a sort of
unavoidable law of gravitation classed together in the same fraternity,
and called fishermen. Occasionally weak attempts have been made to
classify the best of this fraternity under the name of Anglers, or some
title of that kind, but such efforts have always failed. Even Izaak
Walton could not change the current of human thought by calling his
immortal book "The Compleat Angler." So it seems however much those
who fish may differ in social standing, in disposition and character,
in motive and ambition, and even in mode of operation, all must abide,
to the end of the chapter, in the contemplation of the outside world,
within the brotherhood called "Fishermen." Happily, however, this
grouping of incongruous elements under a common name does not prevent
those of us who properly appreciate the importance of upholding the
respectability of decent fishing from coming to an agreement concerning
certain causes of congratulation and certain rules of conduct.
We who claim to represent the highest fishing aspirations are sometimes
inclined to complain on days when the fish refuse to bite. There can be
no worse exhibition than this of an entire misconception of a wise
arrangement for our benefit. We should always remember that we have
about us on every side thousands of those who claim membership in the
fishing fraternity, because, in a way, they love to fish when the
fish bite--and only then. These are contented only when capture is
constant, and their only conception of the pleasures of fishing rests
upon uninterrupted slaughter. If we reflect for a moment upon the
consequences of turning an army of fishermen like these loose upon fish
that would bite every day and every hour, we shall see how nicely the
vicissitudes of fishing have been adjusted, and how precisely and
usefully the fatal attack of discouraging bad luck selects its
victims. If on days when we catch few or no fish we feel symptoms of
disappointment, these should immediately give way to satisfaction when
we remember how many spurious and discouraged fishermen are spending
their time in hammocks or under trees or on golf fields instead of with
fishing outfits, solely on account of just such unfavorable days. We
have no assurance that if fish could be easily taken at all times the
fishing waters within our reach would not be depopulated--a horrible
thing to contemplate. Let it not be said that such considerations as
these savor of uncharitableness and selfishness on our part. We are only
recognizing the doctrine of the survival of the fittest as applied to
fishermen, and claiming that these "fittest" should have the best
chance.
What has been said naturally leads to the suggestion that consistency
requires those of us who are right-minded fishermen to reasonably limit
ourselves as to the number of fish we should take on favorable days. On
no account should edible fish be caught in such quantities as to be
wasted. By restraining ourselves in this matter we discourage in our own
natures the growth of greed, we prevent wicked waste, we make it easier
for us to bear the fall between decent good luck and bad luck, or no
luck, and we make ourselves at all points better men and better
fishermen.
We ought not to forget these things as we enter upon the pleasures of
our summer's fishing. But in any event let us take with us when we go
out good tackle, good bait, and plenty of patience. If the wind is in
the South or West so much the better, but let's go, wherever the wind
may be. If we catch fish we shall add zest to our recreation. If we
catch none, we shall still have the outing and the recreation--more
healthful and more enjoyable than can be gained in any other way.