Visuals for the blog. Good reason? Hmmm… that’s a good question. I do like visuals, but I like photographs in general (I belong to our local photo club). If I wasn’t interested in photography, I probably wouldn’t take nearly as many shots, especially just for the blog. But I actually find joy/peace in stopping the fishing for a bit and composing some shots, especially if I’m fishing alone–it seems to enhance the fishing experience for me because I pause to take in the surroundings, or admire the beauty of the fish, etc. A little heightened awareness for me, I guess.

I don’t mind the winter so much, but I tend to rather take the camera than the rod in the winter. I’m like Robert, more of a surface angler and the opportunities slim down for that kind of action in the winter. I like that reason for taking the fish pictures and I’ve noticed I’ve taken a lot more of the closeups in the past year for that very reason. I love the fine stippling of spots–the big ones are nice too, but when you zoom in close, there are all sorts of tiny dots. Fin color is great with the light just right. Maybe we can start a whole new genre of fishing: “Angling As Art.”

I really enjoy taking fish pictures because the biologist in me finds the spotting patterns, individual fin structures, and body condition fascinating. All your training tells you to look at the population as a whole and not get hung up on the individual… but I can’t help it.

As for the fish pictures. I take them for evidence that I can catch. I, like you, find that I am more and more interested in the surroundings. I am seeing more in the landscape–and feeling more. I’m not sure where that is coming from. I find I use the word sensitive more. I know it goes against the grain of the “true” macho outdoorsman image, but I’m finding (in my own fishing) that it’s not “as” important to catch fish. Enjoy you winter, and good luck with the school work.

In general though, I’m in pre-hibernation mode. Eating too much, doing too little. Hunkering down in general. In a way it’s a relief. There’s no pressure to get out and enjoy the nice weather. If I want to stay inside, drink coffee and read sci-fi paperbacks, I don’t need to feel guilty about “wasting” beautiful weather.