While my day job is entirely dependent on the Internet and digital channels, there is something deeply satisfying about unplugging from technology and focusing on the family, flies, fishing and fun.
Today there will be no worries about phone battery life, cell signal strength, or Wi-Fi passwords. We will communicate without text or emojis, using only our voices and hand signals. What a novel concept.
The pictures taken will not be enhanced using AI, then pushed to social media via mobile app. Instead we will rely on photos and our memories to describe the day’s events, the fish landed, and missed.
To further support this experience, I’m using a fiberglass rod and reel of similar vintage. Both predate the advent of the desktop computer, much less the digital frontier. Neither requires a password nor biometrics. Only knowledge, skill and patience.
It’s Memorial Day and I’m with my youngest daughter at a local pond, kayak fishing under what has turned out to be a perfect blue sky, with temps in the low 70s. She attends college in another state, but is home for a few days.
Using topwater poppers, she gets several strikes and I bring a few sunfish and bass to hand. The time together far outweighs the fish caught. I’m happy to see her take an interest in paddling and fishing. Chances for us to connect are few and far between, but richly cherished.
Technology only came into play is when I sat down, collected my notes and wrote this post.
Hope your spring (and soon summer) are bringing ample opportunities to unplug and go fishing.
Enjoy!
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