Fishing as being

As I mentioned before, it's been way too long since I posted last. It's been quite an interesting summer so far. I've fished quite a bit but never enough. I've stayed local and stolen moments when I could to get on the water. None more than a few hours at a time.
I've trash fished with Will and caught a freshwater drum.

We discovered a hidden quarry pond on public land. Caught a few bluegills and lost a gar.

I've gotten to know my favorite little bream pond a bit better - seeing it change from late winter to spring to full blown summer. I've caught the same fish over and again and I've recovered one of my experimental flies from a fish that broke me off. It was a lot smaller than I remember.  I've seen some of the small trees lining the waters' edge fall due to the intense weather we've had. I've tried to upright those trees and when they wouldn't stay upright Will and I repurposed them into fish habitat.

I've developed some flies that really work, and really don't work.  I've fished some newly developed flies that absolutely blow my flies out of the water (thanks Evan!).

I have not kept up with my goal of fishing cold water consistently at least once a month.  I have not caught a trout since March. I have an itch though. I hope to scratch it soon. My wife and kids are going out of town next week. I'll have some house work to do but I think I can also fit some cold water work in there too.
Over the next few months I hope to go explore some new waters fishing for stripers in the North Fork of the White, maybe some more trash fishing, and maybe another trip down to Texas. I will, however, not forsake my home waters. They bring me great comfort and help me to start my day well when I'm able to visit them before work.

One thing that has really settled itself in me over the last few months is this:  fly fishing is more than just a healthy distraction but it does not solve all my woes.  It's a way of being and thinking and can help to make sense of things. It's not salvation but it's part of salvation, part of sanctification and redemption. And for that I'm thankful.