Really, the only thing a psychiatrist can do that a good (fishing) guide can't is write prescriptions.
John GierachIf people don't occasionally walk away from you shaking their heads, you're doing something wrong.
John GierachFlyfishing does have its social aspects - on some of our crowded trout streams it can get too social - but esentially it's a solitary, contemplative sport. People are left alone with themselves in beautiful surroundings to try to accomplish something that seems to have genuine value.
John GierachAccurately recalling an entire day of fishing is like trying to push smoke back down a chimney, so you settle on these specific moments.
John GierachI think I fish, in part, because it's an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about properly, puts you forever outside the mainstream culture without actually landing you in an institution.
John GierachI necessarily fear change except that it's so seldom for the better. It's just that I can live with any number of things going straight to hell as long as these streams continue to hold up. If this amounts to living in a fool's paradise, don't waste your time trying to explain that to the fool.
John Gierach