There is so much to enjoy while you are fishing, other than catching fish. It does not matter if you are on the water, beside it or in it. Mother Nature has gifts for us, if we take the time to see, not just look, and enjoy them.

LANDSCAPES

Water creates some incredible landscapes. One of my favorite locations is Tionesta Lake. Tionesta is a flood control lake built and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and there is not a structure on it, save the dam itself.

Another spectacular body of water is the Clarion River. Once you get above the slack water above the dam, the lake is pristine with miles of undisturbed beauty.

WILDLIFE

Late in July we launched at the Hanover public launch on “the Cat” and headed out for walleye. Before we went 100 yards we saw two bald eagles dancing in flight right beside us. Eagles are drawn to water and with the recovery of the species, most waterways in our area have several mature birds patrolling them. This is one watching Bad Ted’s friend Chris fish from his kayak on Pymatuning.

Did you ever try to list all the wildlife you have seen while fishing? Let me try: deer, beaver, otters, bear, turkey vultures, turtles, sea gulls, eagles, hawks, osprey, songbirds, squirrels, chipmunks, muskrats, mink, great blue herons, green herons, Canada geese, puddle ducks, diving ducks, loons, cormorants, crows, ravens, snakes, raccoons, possums, turkeys, snow geese, frogs, rabbits, groundhogs, butterflies. I must have seen more, but I cannot remember any. But you get the picture.

SUNSET

There is nothing like a sunset over water. The only thing that even compares is the scene seconds before daylight, right before the first ray of light touches your face, when little sparkles of light flit abut like tiny fireflies. But sunsets are the best, they last longer.

This sunset is especially satisfying because it also has some of my friends and family fishing together.

POWER and BEAUTY

You do not have to be fishing to enjoy what the water offers. We recently went on a family trip to Niagara Falls. There, water combines her power and beauty to simply awe you. To take your breath away. To just make you say “Wow”.

Rainbows often occur after a short shower on the water. I can’t find a pot of gold here, but there is that mystical pastel ribbon.

Speaking of rainbows, can you tell where this one ends? I do not see a pot of gold anywhere, just that mystical pastel ribbon.

INTRUSION BEAUTIFIED

Then there are times when Mother Nature takes our concrete invasions and makes them something enjoyable.

SUNSET at the END of a FISHING DAY

I love watching a sunset evolve, the colors rippling across the horizon, the sun setting, growing as it disappears. It is a calming, satisfying end to a day on the water. It is true that you do not have to be fishing to enjoy the water, but I still enjoy the water and its gifts the best when I am fishing.

So, HAVE SOME FUN. GO FISHING.

Note: If you like these pictures, let me know. I am considering one that is just sunsets. Please share your favorite spots or share a picture.