All fishermen are competitors
Fishing is a sport for competitors, you know, those who always want to win, to be better, more skilful, more enduring than the others. The competitor even defies the odds, playing the lottery and thinking he's the strongest.
All anglers are competitors. They count the number of their catches, measure or weigh them, compare them to those of others, or, more personally, compare them to those they have caught in other places, other seasons, other times.
Well, I say that for 21st century anglers. In earlier times, scores were in baskets and kitchens smelled of fried fish.
Defending the river
Antoine, a fly fisherman in his old age, proclaims loud and clear that he doesn't belong to this caste. He finds his pleasure in the attention he gives to the Semène, his river. 38 kilometers long, it rises in the upper Loire, on the slopes of the Pilat massif. It then spends most of its life in the neighboring Haute-Loire department, flowing into the Loire at Semène, downstream of Aurec-sur-Loire.
Why his river? Firstly, because it flows just a stone's throw from his home, but above all because he defends it against all odds, pampers it like a baby and wants to restore it to its former glory. So much so, that during his term as president of the departmental fishing federation, he convinced his constituents of the benefits of setting up a "Catch and Release" course just outside his village. The course is now one of the oldest in the department, and he's proud of it.
Antoine takes great care of the Semène's water and surroundings, as well as its access, because he wants it to be frequented by many fishermen who respect this fragile environment. But what he values above all are the fish: their health, their numbers, their native character, their genetic potential. "No more untimely releases, let's keep our stock pure", he harangues AAPPMA presidents.
An up-to-date fishing log
Antoine spends his autumn days watching over the spawning grounds, and enjoys counting his flock as they work for their offspring. But when the season opens, he fishes. And he keeps his fishing reports up to date. Meticulously, like a doctor at his patient's bedside, everything is noted: date, time, water level, weather conditions, moon phases. Of course, the results are duly recorded, as are any misses and fish released: number, size and sometimes morphological remarks. The fly models used are also detailed. He keeps his totals rigorously, and knows at a glance whether this season is more or less prolific than previous years.
In passing, he congratulates himself if the catches are increasing, which could mean that his fly-fishing skills are improving. For the love of his river, Antoine gives himself the air of a competitor. But let's make no mistake: what motivates him above all else is the health of the Semène.
Confronting other fishermen
During a visit to Auvergne by members of the French fly-fishing team, Antoine had the opportunity to fish in the company of Julien, an outstanding young competitor, judging by the many titles adorning his vest. The confrontation, as it often is, took place on Antoine's favorite course. The result is of little importance compared to the manner: Antoine held the champion's feet to the fire, blowing him a few trout caught on dry flies on neglected spots. For the occasion, our angler exchanged his cap for a laurel wreath. Proof, if it were needed, that when the opportunity arises, all anglers possess the competitive spirit!
