Going back to the basics!

The other day I had a great conversation with another angler that I've known for some time. He, like myself, takes his fishing very seriously. We spoke about what we have become as an angler and how we look at our sport compaired to how we use to look at it...
 
We spoke about how things have change so much over the years, and how we have matured as anglers and sportsman. This got me thinking a lot about what we become after a while.
 
Take steelhead fishing as an example....
 
When I first started fishing these fish it really didn't matter how I caught them. Bait, lures, eggs, powerbait...it didn't matter! I was after one thing and one thing only....The fish! I didn't care about what kind of rod I was using as long as it was strong enough to catch one.
I didn't care what kind of waders I was wearing, as long as the kept me dry! Most of those years I didn't have two pennys to rub together so I fished with what ever I could afford.
 
Some how over the years those "basic" things about fishing I had forgotten all about. I evolved into that "not challenging enough" type of angler most become with time. Me fish with bait? No way, to easy! Me spin fish for steelhead? No way, anyone could do that!
 
So for the last few years I've challenged myself with all the expensive gear, lightest tippets, smallest hand tied flies! But in the last few weeks I've found myself loosing a little motivation to get out there and catch some fish. So today I went back to the "basics".
 
I was browsing in the fishing department at walmart while my wife did some shopping and came across their bait fridge. I noticed they had some nightcrawlers so I decided it would be fun to fish "old school" style this evening. I grabbed a container and put them in the basket.
 
My wife looks at me with a strange look on her face and ask "What are you gonna do with those things"?
 
Anyway, I got home and grabbed up my gear! But not the expensive fly rod, not even the noodle rod, but rather my cheap old ultralite rod I normally use for perch! Night crawlers in hand, I go to a spot about 10 minutes from my house....
 
Just like when I was a kid, I tied on a big slimey crawler and was ready for action! Yes, even us fly fishing yuppys get our hands dirty sometimes!
 

 
I didn't get 2 drifts in when my trusty bobber goes under....
My first fish in a LONG time caught on a nightcrawler under a bobber!
 

 
After I released that one, it was one fish after another for about 2 hours!
I had one of my best times on the creek remembering back when fishing was just that....fishing!!
 
No expensive $400.00 rod, no Sims waders, no Costa Del Mar sunglasses, no ridiculous fly patterns, or $60 WF fly lines...Just me with a spinning rod and a bucket of worms!
 
But here's the part that made me want to write about today's fishing...
Eventhough all my gear was differant, eventhough my bait of choice was differant, eventhough a bunch of things were differant about the way I was fishing...
 
There was ONE thing that was the exact same..........
 
The huge smile that stretched across my face for 3 solid hours!!!!!
 
For a little while today, I was a kid again! Not a worry in the world, not a ounce of pressure, not a single bad thought was in my head while I landed fish after fish!
 
It was just me, my nightcrawlers, and a hole bunch of hungry, hard fighting fish!!!
Today was a day to remember!
 
I guess it took 2 dozen night crawlers to make me realize that it really isn't the fish I've been after all these years!
 
-Mike

That is great!

Great post that should put things into perspective for everyone!
 
I'm headed mup in the mornin'!

Mike you gave away the big secret of steelhead fishing.  You don't need a ton of equipment or flies, or whatever.  You need a few hooks, some bait, a float and time to fish.  I landed a huge male Sunday on some two week old skein.  Nothing fancy, kinda smelly, but very rewarding.

There is going to be a run on nightcrawlers at the local bait stores, lol.

Way to go... Get out and have fun the simple way! Some of the most fun I've had is a spontanius simple fishing trip. Worms and bobbers. Good job....

Yup guys should practice what they preach. Hope u do good.

Awesome post, Mikeg, that's what fishing is all about. On a side note, many people, even bait fisherman, have no idea how good nightcrawlers really work when fished right for trout/steelhead/salmon.

i will always try to do my best to watch my step with all the pro's here don't want to create any waves.

 
speed, you wade right on in with the rest of us.  very few attitudes here, just good guys who all take turns being knuckleheads from time to time.  welcome aboard.

" I hear we got a devolution well you know"   You've finally devolved! Nice boots too. Wow, you went the whole deal didn't you? Ditch the columbia jacket too ? Good ole garden hackle. NOW, you're a purist. Nice write . Dave

Mike, that was a very enjoyable and refreshing post.....I agree with you totally!!!!!!!

I too love to use my flyrod and my special home tied flys, but I still catch plenty of fish on crawlers, the steelies love them.

Clearly MikeG has a problem.  I'm betting he threw his bait container in the creek too.  All bait "fishermen", if you can even call them "fishermen", do it.
 
It's true.
 

No, I didn't keep my limit! But only because they don't taste that good!
 
"Traitor!"
 
Ya I know...I crossed over to the dark side, didn't I! lol
 
 

ORIGINAL: anadromous

I urge you to attend a NA meeting (nightcrawlers anonyomous). You will find good people there just like you that have fallen off the wagon. You can share your experience in a non-judgemental environment. There are some hardcore users that attend...some are flashlight hand-pickers, some electro shockers, and even those like you that have bought from street dealers. I find it easier if I stay inside on rainey evenings,stay away from peatmoss, also avoid styrofoam containers of any kind!! Its hard Mike, but if you eliminate the triggers you avoid temptation. See you for you one month chip Buddy!!! Don't forget to say the Serenity prayer!!!

 
My name is Mikeg and Im a crawlerholic!!