I Suppose I Just Have To Put My Waders On One Leg at a Time.

They say that when you're in a relationship with someone, you should try and take an interest in what they are interested in. Well, I don't know who "they" are, but because of them, I'm learning to fly fish. You read that right; I've been putting on waders and trudging through knee-high Michigan rivers in search of little fly-nibbling Trout. I'm just as stunned as you are, maybe more.

​​Ethan is an avid angler, with an impressive record to boot. His passion for fishing, and more specifically Trout fishing, is so deeply rooted in him that it would be impossible to see where his dress pants end and his waders begin. For that reason - and I knew this going into it - I was going to need to give the sport a chance. Luckily for us both, I've used a fishing pole before, albeit not a fly rod, but still, it isn't a totally foreign concept to me, at least.

​​Let me begin by saying that fly fishing is supposed to be one of the more calming and relaxing sports one can indulge in - "supposed to" being the operative words there. I have to say, that fly fishing could be the sport that puts the men-can't-multi-task stereotype to bed forever. I have never had so many things to remember, at one time, in my life. Not only is just casting the line a multi-step process, but once the fly hits the water, it gets moved around, reeled in, and re-launched before you ever have a time to get comfortable. Not to mention all of the - what I consider to be - behind the scenes work that has to happen in order to make a successful catch - like choosing the right fly, tying the right kind of line, and even simply selecting the right rod for the water and fish. (Ethan does all of those things for me as a newbie, so that's why it's basically like backstage work that I never see; and thank God for that.)

So far, I've caught a grand total of two Trout - one Brown Trout and one Brook Trout. I’ve actually hooked myself more times than I’ve hooked a anything with gills. *blushes* To be fair to myself, I've only been out on the water a handful of times. But, since Ethan's new primary life goal is to turn me into a famous #FlyGirl, I reckon I better stick with it and get my numbers up.

I never gave fisherman and women enough credit - it really is hard work and it takes a hefty tole on your body. Who knew you could need to use so many muscles just to walk! With my dumpy little legs, I can barely pull my own body weight through the water, forget adding on the extra poundage from all the gear. If I'm not strong as an Ox before long, I'll want my money back.

But, even though I clearly don’t have a natural talent for angling, I will admit that when either he or I lands a fish, I fall madly in love with it as soon as it’s netted. They are such beautiful little creatures - my heart just melts at the sight of their pretty colors and big eyes. All the work is worth it to hold one of those adorable little aquatic angels in your hands, even for a brief moment.

​​Honestly, the jury is still out on whether or not it’s going to become my new favorite hobby. I'm learning so much about nature and my state every time I set foot in the water, which is great because before I met Ethan, I couldn't really have told you the first things about either subject. I've even joined my local #TroutUnlimited chapter and started attending meetings and events! The fly fishing community is definitely a warm and welcoming bunch - that's definitely something I can't complain about.

If nothing else, I have the best instructor and cheering squad I could ask for in Ethan, and I know he wants to see me see it through. And, truthfully, so do I. I suppose, like anyone else, I just have to put my waders on one leg at a time.