Visualization, confidence, and persistence in angling strategy
It can be argued, strongly and convincingly—that of the many components that make up an effective presentation, and resultantly, a successful fishing session—confidence in one’s approach is paramount. It is often the case, in regards to confidence, that this feeling derives from previous experience and success. However, we anglers are not always in a position to rely solely on this. Confidence is, above all else, valuable because it translates to persistence, and persistence is among the most sacred virtues held by successful anglers. I now recognize that confidence relates directly to my feeling like every subsequent cast will be the one that produces the desired result, right up to and beyond the point where I can picture it.
Being confident in what I am doing on the water requires many things, but this potentially long list can be summarized in the following two items: (1) knowing that my fly, lure, or bait, is spending most of its time in a place where fish will sense it; and (2) knowing that the aforementioned fish will be— barring unusual circumstances—willing and able to take that fly/lure/bait. Visualization, and at times, simple arithmetic, are the tools that I employ most frequently to cover these bases. I have found this approach applicable in virtually all instances, and particularly so when fishing swung flies or lures, casted and retrieved lures and/or flies, and
dead-drifted flies and/or baits. In each instance, the feeding habits of my preferred quarry, water clarity and depth, and fish location are all relevant factors that require consideration. The importance of visualization can be demonstrated by imagining all the potential barriers that might result from failure to identify and picture them: if a small fly is presented high in the water column, in cloudy water, to a fish that uses sight to ambush relatively large prey, the presentation is bound to fail for a combination of reasons. Persistence with this type of approach equates wishful fishing, as opposed to conscious effort.
If broken down into two steps, my process of visualization begins with focusing on the fish, i.e., its whereabouts, its surroundings, and its behaviour. When selecting an area to fish, casting to a particular target, or maneuvering my fly/lure/bait into a specific place, I am constantly assessing the water’s fishholding potential by visualizing a holding fish in the aforementioned spot. This can be as simple as asking yourself if you could—under any circumstances—picture a fish sitting in that particular spot. Having identified potential holding water, I make a mental note of the relevant features in the fish’s surroundings, e.g., cloudy or clear water, fast or distorted current(s), large/relevant structural features, and/or changes in depth. Next, using any relevant knowledge about the target species’ disposition (e.g., temperament, feeding style, temperature preference), I decide whether or not and/or how to present a fly/lure/bait to the fish, based on what I have envisioned in regards to its behaviour. This process relies on both research and experience, and yields a more practical and useful target that is necessary to perform Step 2.
Having devoted Step 1 of the visualization process to the fish, I proceed by shifting my attention inward. Having specified my target, I must then determine how I will attempt to meet it, using an appropriate and deliberate presentation. Choice of technique (e.g., swinging a fly, dead-drifting bait) makes for a great starting point at this stage, and is informed by my aforementioned visualization of the fish. A good second move is to select an appropriate fly/lure/bait (also informed by Step 1). Having selected my technique and offering, I will determine the technical requirements of fishing based on prior bits of information—the use of simple arithmetic can be very valuable at this stage. If, for example, I am fishing for fall steelhead in a large river, where run depth averages ~4’, and water clarity ~2’, I can determine relatively quickly that my fly will be sufficiently visible if it is within 18’’ of the fish, i.e., ~2’ from the bottom, and from the surface. By remaining mindful of this simple equation, and continuing to visualize my fly’s movements, I can avoid common mistakes such as fishing ‘too high’ or ‘too low’ and maintain my confidence during the long periods of time that must pass before I come in contact with fish.
Anglers, hunters, and other outdoor recreationists may recall hearing or reading about the importance of mindfulness, perceptiveness, and/or attentiveness in such preferred outdoor activities—though sometimes only in vague detail. This type of approach seems to favour individuals with a certain predisposition to thinking in this way, and so, others may find it helpful to read a more technical description of the visualization process. In spite of our abilities, and the use of reasoning, many anglers—experienced or not—will often find that confidence is in short supply. Under such circumstances, a little ‘manufactured confidence’ can go a long way. Having faith, though it provides only a temporary solution, can effectively bridge the gaps created by uncertainty. The confidence that comes from visualizing a successful outcome—however genuine or manufactured it may be—is often necessary to reach the point where the angler’s hopes and suspicions are confirmed by a tug at the end of their line, signalling the fish’s expressed approval of a carefully-conceived and wellexecuted technique.