There are many really wonderful things about fishing. As far as activities where you’re effectively doing nothing go, it might be the best. I seem to be in a big-time moment of attributing meaning to everything (I’ve always been in this moment?), and it made me pay more attention and learn even more

Fishing is an excellent lesson in accepting things that are beyond our control while forcing you to be present. The ocean, for those unaware, is really, really big. When you’re on a boat – no matter how big – in the middle of it, you’re directly confronted by that enormity. No matter how many people you’re with or how many pounds of force your rod can take, the ocean is in control. Inherently, almost instinctively, we fear it like a god. At the same time, its beauty is as immense as its size. There is nothing in the world that can shut up 25 men in one place like the open ocean. On a nice day, the sun gleams off the surface and the occasional swell reminds of its power. On a more ominous day, the shade of grey unmatched anywhere gives way to rain heavier than hair and humbling chops of waves. Either way, all there is to do is to be in that moment. Whether steadying or admiring, it demands your presence.

And some say the main lesson is patience, but I believe that’s reserved for hunters or gamblers. On the ocean, the lesson is to accept that which is out of your control. Go ahead, change your rig, freshen up your bait, change the way your sweatshirt’s tied around your waste or what pocket your lucky coin’s in. The fish will bite when they’re hungry. Keep trying to cast out; the ocean will always pull your line under the boat.