What a Summer of Fishing Really Taught Me

If you had asked me in May what kind of summer I had planned, I would have painted a picture of non-stop adventure: warm water, ambitious goals, endless days on the river, and fish practically leaping into my net. The fly rods were ready, the new website was live, and the hours of preparation had my excitement dialed all the way up. This was going to be the summer it all came together—at least, that’s what I thought.

But as any angler knows, fishing has a way of humbling you. Fast forward to late August and reality looks nothing like the highlight reel I imagined. My summer “trophy list” so far? Just two smallmouth, a bluegill, a pickerel, a spot, and four trout. If you count a hook to the back of the head and a handful of canceled trips, the count creeps a little higher—but not in the way I’d hoped. It felt like setback after setback, and more than once, I wondered if I should just write off the summer entirely.

But here’s the thing: Every rough patch in fishing (and in life) teaches you something new, if you’re willing to listen. This summer didn't go as planned, but I walked away with some lessons that I know will make me a better angler—and hopefully, they'll help you out too.

Life Happens—Embrace It

Looking back, my summer was busy in all the best ways: unforgettable vacations, catching baseball games, and making memories with my wife and our dog. Would I trade those moments for a 20” smallmouth? Honestly, not a chance. Sometimes life pulls you away from the river, and that’s totally okay. I’ve learned not to beat myself up when the rods gather a little dust.

Make the Best Out of Every Trip

Because my time on the water was so limited, I put huge pressure on every outing—measuring success by the number or size of fish I caught. More often than not, those trips ended with frustration, not satisfaction. Now, I remind myself that every day on the water—whether it’s a quick stop at the local lake or a trek to a hidden stream—is a gift. Moving forward, I want to soak it all in, enjoy the moment, and be grateful I even have these opportunities.

Seize Every Opportunity

This year, Mother Nature threw everything she had at us. Rain ruined plans and made decent fishing days hard to come by. Instead of taking trips for granted, I’ve learned to treat each one like it could be my last for a while. Prep well, plan ahead, and savor every minute—because you never know when the next storm will roll in.

Never Forget to Have Fun

Above all else, fly fishing should be fun. It’s easy to lose sight of that when things don’t go your way. The next time frustration threatens to take over, I’m promising myself to pause, breathe, and take in my surroundings. At the end of the day, if you’re not enjoying yourself out there, what’s the point?

So while my summer didn’t go according to plan, it gave me a fresh perspective. Here’s to embracing every twist, enjoying every cast, and finding joy on the water—no matter how the fish are biting.