By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
I fish a lot of different waters, some big, some small, some deserted, some busy. I of course prefer the deserted ones, the ones that are quiet.
Suppose different folks have different reasons for being on the water or in the field. But, it puzzles me that some seem to be scared of the stillness?
On a busy day on one of our public waters it would not be unusual of course to hear boat motors and jet-skies. Unfortunately, you likely will hear someone’s music blaring clear across the lake. That might be tolerable if they were playing some good ole classic rock, but if some of today’s rap is on the loud speaker, who knows what obscenities might assault your ears.
On dry land you likely will see similar things; hikers and bikers on some trail with their ear-buds in or the tunes playing on a speaker.
I thought the idea was to get away from the busyness and noise?
I wonder if they are afraid of what they might hear? Themselves?
I often talk to myself while on the water or in the field. Might even talk to the critters too. Still waiting for them to start talking back.
Gotta admit that if I have a partner, I am not a big conversationalist when I am on the water or in the field. Naturally, on a hunt, you have to practice some noise discipline. Do not get me wrong, I love the time spent with good partners, friends and family. We might have conversations about who knows what on the drive to and from our hunting or fishing grounds. However, once we are there, it is definitely time to “shut up and fish”!
Obviously, one of the skills needed to be a good hunter is listening. You gotta be quiet and you have to pay attention to what is going on around you. The snap of a twig or rustle of leaves could be the key to a successful hunt.
Will tell you that any one of several sounds you hear on the water, if you listen, could be just as important. Ever heard the kiss of a bluegill sucking an insect off the surface? The raucous call of gulls should get your attention any time you are on the water. Or maybe even the ugly squawk of a great blue heron or chatter of a kingfisher. I am betting when the water is calm I can identify the unmistakable swoosh of a predator striking a baitfish near the surface from a mile away!
I could go on. Many memorable hunts and fishing trips have been highlighted by howling coyotes, hooting owls, cackling pheasants, maybe even the lonesome call of a migrating loon. My point is your time in the outdoors should be quiet time. Try it, you will find that you like it, and you will be more successful.
