My favorite film on the philosophy of fishing (and masculinity as a whole) is To Have and Have Not, with Bogart as the boat captain reluctantly aiding the French Resistance in the Caribbean.
Funny, when I was writing this I thought about referencing maritime Bogart. But all I could think of was Key Largo (a drinking movie) and Mutiny on the Bounty (not really fishing). Don’t know Have and Have Not.
The fishing is limited to the opening, where a fat American charter guy impatiently messes up a catch, to Bogart's disgust. Then it's a Casablanca thing, and Bacall is luminous as the wiseacre Slim -- at age 20! (I'm sure an adept Googler could find the whole film available somewhere...)
I fly fish and have never caught a thing. Don’t care. I love the rush of the cool water around my legs on a hot summer day, Love watching the line play out and the fly slowly drift back. Love the beautiful pebbles in the stream bed.
Great story telling. I want to pick up fishing as well and know I’ll be bad at it lol. But whenever I go to the lake by my house (Lake Biwa) there are tons of Japanese guys just sitting there, drinking, relaxing. I agree that it’s not about the catch (though that’d be cool) it’s about relaxing and being outside.
Just 3 weeks ago my wife and I were right at Lake Biwa for the first time. Wow what a beautiful place. It is in our "serious" list of retirement town choices!
I dunno how to tell you this...it's about catching a fish! Haha. My father's little brother took us fishing, and we'd catch fish, and he'd cook it right there. Best fish ever. Heh. Just thought I'd tell you this.😁
Hahaha I once went on a sailboat and I was the only gal throwing a line and I caught a fish. To this day I’m upset that I forgot to take it home. The owner of the boat got it.
You have to will the fish to you, Jack, talk to them in your mind. (I’ve just made that up.)😀
As a new follower, I continue to catch up by reading all your writings (when I find the time)...I love all of them...gives me a glimpse of life in Japan and so many stories that bring laughter, images and in one or two reads, misty eyes! This one really made me laugh a lot...love the sarcasm! Thank you
I’m so glad you are reading, but more importantly enjoying. Your comment is what I’m driving for—even after all these years my reaction too to Japan can range very quickly from laughter to tears to eye rolling and even confused thoughts. I also still continue to this day to be struck by the beauty of the people and the scenes that can crop up anywhere even when least expected.
So funny and fun to read. Photos were hilarious. I grew in San Pedro CA and we just waited for grunion runs and the fish practically jumped in our arms.
I’m glad you enjoyed. I was born in San Pedro General and grew up not far away. Just kidding of course about LA people not fishing. Glad to hear someone had a more rounded childhood! Hahahah.
My brother-in-law Henry Alvarez (RIP) helped create the Fisherman Memorial sculpture in San Pedro which has been irrevocably vandalized ☹️ and I now live on an Island (same one as your mom) and when I was growing up we had to take a ferry to Long Beach because the Vincent Thomas bridge had not been built!
As I often say, the sport is called "fishing", it's not called "catching".
This was another wonderful post of yours, thank you.
Oh I love that. Never thought of the distinction!
My favorite film on the philosophy of fishing (and masculinity as a whole) is To Have and Have Not, with Bogart as the boat captain reluctantly aiding the French Resistance in the Caribbean.
Funny, when I was writing this I thought about referencing maritime Bogart. But all I could think of was Key Largo (a drinking movie) and Mutiny on the Bounty (not really fishing). Don’t know Have and Have Not.
To Have and Have Not is also a drinking movie :)
The fishing is limited to the opening, where a fat American charter guy impatiently messes up a catch, to Bogart's disgust. Then it's a Casablanca thing, and Bacall is luminous as the wiseacre Slim -- at age 20! (I'm sure an adept Googler could find the whole film available somewhere...)
That bit from the Wide World of Sports has stuck with me my whole life.
I think all of us. Such an unforgettable rag doll.
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat all at the same time lol.
I’m seeing the skiing wipe out on Wide World of Sports here…
I fly fish and have never caught a thing. Don’t care. I love the rush of the cool water around my legs on a hot summer day, Love watching the line play out and the fly slowly drift back. Love the beautiful pebbles in the stream bed.
I appreciate this. And will definitely remember the frame of mind.
I’d love to catch my dinner!
Right???!
Great story telling. I want to pick up fishing as well and know I’ll be bad at it lol. But whenever I go to the lake by my house (Lake Biwa) there are tons of Japanese guys just sitting there, drinking, relaxing. I agree that it’s not about the catch (though that’d be cool) it’s about relaxing and being outside.
It’s a hang out with the dudes thing. Except…I really need to catch some dinner!! :)
Yes you do. Love hanging out with dudes but not sure about the fishing part and I would probably bring Sapporo Black or sake (eye rolling).
Just 3 weeks ago my wife and I were right at Lake Biwa for the first time. Wow what a beautiful place. It is in our "serious" list of retirement town choices!
I dunno how to tell you this...it's about catching a fish! Haha. My father's little brother took us fishing, and we'd catch fish, and he'd cook it right there. Best fish ever. Heh. Just thought I'd tell you this.😁
Yes. There are these strange people who just drop a line into water and pull out fish. I want to kick them into the sea. lol.
Hahaha I once went on a sailboat and I was the only gal throwing a line and I caught a fish. To this day I’m upset that I forgot to take it home. The owner of the boat got it.
You have to will the fish to you, Jack, talk to them in your mind. (I’ve just made that up.)😀
I will be a Fish Magnet!!
Yes!!
Gee, suppose it works…
Great story! I chuckled at your "nobody fishes in LA" because I just interviewed a long-time angler who grew up next to Dodger Stadium.
He’s lying!!
As a new follower, I continue to catch up by reading all your writings (when I find the time)...I love all of them...gives me a glimpse of life in Japan and so many stories that bring laughter, images and in one or two reads, misty eyes! This one really made me laugh a lot...love the sarcasm! Thank you
I’m so glad you are reading, but more importantly enjoying. Your comment is what I’m driving for—even after all these years my reaction too to Japan can range very quickly from laughter to tears to eye rolling and even confused thoughts. I also still continue to this day to be struck by the beauty of the people and the scenes that can crop up anywhere even when least expected.
I very much hope you keep reading.
Mindfulness is learned,
Leather and Child fishing free,
The mackerel laugh
So funny and fun to read. Photos were hilarious. I grew in San Pedro CA and we just waited for grunion runs and the fish practically jumped in our arms.
I’m glad you enjoyed. I was born in San Pedro General and grew up not far away. Just kidding of course about LA people not fishing. Glad to hear someone had a more rounded childhood! Hahahah.
You crack me up .
My brother-in-law Henry Alvarez (RIP) helped create the Fisherman Memorial sculpture in San Pedro which has been irrevocably vandalized ☹️ and I now live on an Island (same one as your mom) and when I was growing up we had to take a ferry to Long Beach because the Vincent Thomas bridge had not been built!
Thanks for reading! Ah, yet another LA refugee…we are everywhere.
Better luck next time!
Oh gosh I hope so!