Being called out as a condescending poster trying to prove "look how good of an angler I am" on a report sharing website in AK the other day has gotten me thinking. Do I really come off that way?
I take A LOT of photos on the water. Photos of wildlife, the river, friends, and of course the fish. I only harvest salmon and do 100% C&R for all other species. A picture is all I take home for me and it is my trophy. I take these photos for me. I post them to share as that is what I also enjoy when reading reports and or magazines. I love looking at photos of fish and fishable places that I hope to one day visit.
Whenever I post a photo I do so because that is what I like to see. I could care less about my ego. I know many people who do not take photos and that is fine. To each their own. I like the photos. I take them also so I don't forget. These will be cherished more when I am on a rocking chair unable to go out like I used to. They are also for my kids. I would have loved to have had my father or grandfather be avid fisherman and have those old fishing pics of them with their catch on my mantle.
I also like the pics because it takes me back to that specific day. The smells, conversations, moods and sights. I have about 25 photos in my office. I can tell you that I have had some pretty hectic days and what calmed the day down was taking a break and sitting there looking at those photos. I was taken back to doing what I love to do for a moment before being back in the grind.
Do I take hero shots? Yea, but not always. I take many different photos. I just like sharing the pics so others can enjoy. I enjoy all photos of fish, methods of fishing them and great write ups. This is what I do when not fishing. Look at photos, reports and or articles.
It gives me the drive to go out there and get my own fish, and gain my own experience. Hero shots, close ups of fish, under water shots, whatever, I welcome them all and enjoy them. Character is what I judge not a fish photo. End rant.
Fish on!
Paul