My Imagination?
In an effort to stimulate discussion at the “Angler’s Roundtable,” I offer this comparative analysis of the virtues of freshwater versus saltwater angling. I do so recognizing that I have spent an entire lifetime trout fishing, and less than a decade
angling in saltwater.
Despite the disparity in exposure, I suggest that saltwater angling is both more challenging and exciting than fishing for trout in freshwater. I say that after acknowledging that trout fishing is still not only my first, but my greatest, love!
If trying to entice a lunker trout into taking a fly is challenging, it pales in comparison with attempting to hook one of the “gray ghosts of the flats”--the Florida bonefish!
And I find saltwater angling even more exciting than freshwater fishing for trout because you see the fish moving to the fly, often from a long distance away. In contrast to trout fishing where the strike is invariably sudden and unanticipated, it is likely that you will see a saltwater fish hone in on your fly from as much as a hundred feet away! This common phenomenon is enough to trigger the angling equivalent of “buck fever” in the most seasoned of anglers! (If you haven’t tried saltwater flyfishing, you certainly have a treat in store.)
Moreover, it has been my experience that saltwater fish are superior to freshwater species in their fighting capabilities.
Rainbow trout are great fighters, but, ounce for ounce, they can not rival the incredible fighting abilities of bonefish, barracuda, permit, tarpon, etc. I don’t know whether it is the warm water that energizes them more than the cold water affects freshwater fish, but the saltwater species I’ve encountered are without equal in terms of their fighting prowess.
If I prefer to fish for trout (and I do), I am obliged to admit that, based upon my admittedly brief experience in saltwater fishing, angling in saltwater is both more challenging and exciting than casting for trout in my favored streams and rivers. It pains me to admit it, but I can’t help offering that as my considered opinion.
Now let me hear from you regarding your thoughts on the matter!