Holding an Arctic char , Ekaluk River , Nunavut
Fishing has taken Duane across Canada
Having said that , what are some of the key factors at play behind the scenes for anglers ?
You ’ ve all seen photos accompanying obituaries of proud , smiling anglers holding their catches . For some people , angling defines who they are and this is one way of expressing this important value . Angling and catching fish are sources of pride to many people , hallmarks of their lives .
You need to be in reasonably good shape to enjoy fishing , but lots of people with disabilities or mobility issues still enjoy the sport . In my case , I try to walk regularly so I ’ ll be able to fly angle on streams , one of my favourite pastimes . Seniors who stay in shape by walking enjoy better physical and mental health and have better circulatory and respiratory systems than their sedentary counterparts . Improved mental and physical health are obvious side-benefits of walking outdoors , while enjoying nature ( if possible ) at the same time . I live in a part of Edmonton where there are walking trails beside an environmental reserve that makes communing with nature like child ’ s play . In my case , fishing is the primary raison d ’ être that motivates me to go on walks .
Shortly after I retired , I served on the board of directors of the Outdoor Writers of Canada ( OWC ). My recreational angling roots were a key factor in the roles I held on the board . This volunteer work got me out of the house and enabled me to travel across Canada to attend board meetings and conferences in places I would otherwise have never visited . Being able to socialize with like-minded people forged many friendships that continue to this day . Empowerment and socialization were offshoots of being a member of the OWC . My late wife , Adrienne , and I met several new friends through OWC with whom we travelled to fishing lodges in the Yukon and Northwest Territories . Friendship is yet another spinoff of angling .
Darcy Richardson ( left ) & Duane with a fine cutthroat trout , Elk River , BC
46 | arta . net CONNECTING THE DOTS