A tree leaning out over the river. Colors, angles, light and the sense of a river’s movement. For the most part, we all can look at the image and perhaps say, to ourselves, that it is pleasing in some way. To the fisher, a more analytical mindset ensues that rapidly dissects the image.

leaning tree-river-nature-rapids-SwittersB

The fisher, be it gear or fly, sees color for clarity, structure and currents, seams and holding water for trout, steelhead or salmon…each slightly different depending upon the flow and structures.

Pockets, slots, buckets, pools, tailouts, lies and routes are coupled with probabilities and chance. Raise the river or lower the river and the calculations are altered. What to use to entice a take, the presentation of fly, lure or bait all are measured against these observations that are made in mere moments.

Like a designer, builder, surgeon or mechanic the vision and understanding of the parts make the whole.

Of course, we could just say “That’s a beautiful picture”.