Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
Calendar says today is April 1. Some refer to today as “April Fool’s Day”. Although it is not an official holiday of any kind, many folks like to pull a prank or two today. Or, maybe tell a yarn.
Anglers are known for telling some “whoppers”–stories that may be a little bit too much to believe. On the other hand, I would tell you that at the very core of what we love about fishing is the unknown. The fact that you never know what is swimming around below the surface, what might take your bait on the next cast. Fish long enough and you will have a few of those encounters and their resulting stories.
I have told a story or three here on my blog. Will continue to do so. Today, I went looking for some good stories to read, and would recommend you spend some time on these:
7 Unbelievable True Fishing Stories
While looking around for some good fish stories to read I found a website that had instructions on HOW to tell a good fishing story:
I cited that Only in Arkansas source, now let me quote directly from the article. I really like their “Crucial Elements of a Fishing Tale”:
- A Strong Hook: The story’s beginning should grab the listener’s attention and make them want to hear more.
- Vivid Language: The angler should use descriptive language to paint a picture of the scene and make the listener feel like they are there.
- Exaggeration (but not lies): It’s OK to stretch the truth a bit, but the story should still be believable.
- Humor: A good fisherman’s tale should be entertaining, so don’t be afraid to add a few jokes.
- Practice: How you tell the story is as important as the story itself. Practice your delivery so that you can tell it with confidence and flair.
- Timeline: Someone somewhere needs to mentally note how the story continues to grow. Calling the bluff when it’s told among a new group is way more fun!
—Some Fish! How to Tell a Fishing Tale, Only in Arkansas website, onlyinark.com
Did I tell you last weekend I caught a fish so big that the photograph weighed 5 pounds?!