The holiday season is upon us. Temperatures are dropping, most of the leaves have fallen, and some of us are still eating Thanksgiving leftovers. Once the tryptophan coma wears off we remember Christmas is right around the corner. This is where perspectives start to differ. Some can’t wait for the shopping to begin, while others don’t exactly share that feeling.
There have been times in my life that I was excited to shop and other times not so much. The times I’ve been excited about it is because I knew what the person wanted/needed and was going to love the gift. Seeing friends, family, and loved ones smile with joy, gratitude, and excitement is what I love about the holidays. It’s also one of the things I love about being a guide. I get to see those things in peoples eyes every day. Okay. Back on topic. Shopping for the holidays. Times I have not been so eager to do it. Shopping for the person that has everything or toys for kids. Sure, kids love to get as many toys and gadgets as possible. You know they will love it and it will be their favorite thing for about two weeks then it’s in the closet or basement with all the other clutter. Don’t get me wrong. By no means am I saying, don’t give them toys and gadgets. Please do. You will get lots of hugs and be “the best ever”. As for the person that has everything. If you like headaches, surfing the web for hours and hours and running all over town in crazy holiday traffic to come up empty handed, then that’s your favorite person to shop for.
On to some fun facts and great gift ideas. Did you know there are countless studies out there that show fly fishing/fishing is good for your health? Just google, health benefits of fishing. As the saying goes, “not only will fishing add years to your life, it will add life to your years”. Giving someone the gift of a fishing lesson, guided trip or sending them to that dream location for that bucket list fish they wanted their whole life is so much more then just a holiday present.
In the spirit of the season, lets start with all the fun a fishing adventure is to give and get as a gift. Giving a fly fishing lesson or guide trip to someone that has never tried it. For most, once is all it takes for them to decide they are going to add fly fishing to their list of hobbies. If you have fly fished you understand how relaxing and enjoyable it is. Not to mention the beautiful places you do it. For those you know that already fish, giving them a guided trip with a professional guide is a great way for them to improve their skills and learn more of the intricacies of the sport. Last, the fly fishing fanatic you know. A destination trip. Brazil for peacock bass, Cuba for tarpon, permit, bonefish, and many other species, Alaska for salmon. The list goes on forever.
The gift of fly fishing is so much more then just a gift. You are giving someone special a new hobby, a new passion, a new love. A gift that will create stories that they will tell their entire life. A passion they will share with others. The opportunity to meet new people that they will build new life long friendships with.
Back to seeing smiles, joy, gratitude, and excitement. Every time they go, believe me they will be showing you all kinds of pictures from their day and you will see all the above in every one.
Happy and safe Holidays to all. Hope to see you on the water.
