As we journey through life over time our interests often change. Most of my sports have revolved around the outdoors, camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting and fishing. I’ve dabbled with recreational softball and volleyball, but I’ve never been much of an athlete. Out of all these activities the only ones I continue to do regularly these days are hiking and fishing.
Even my interest in fishing has changed over the years. I’m more fanatical about it than ever. There are many reasons fishing continues to hold my interest while other activities fell to the wayside.
First off, you don’t have to be an athlete to be an angler. Being in shape is a benefit for those spending the day wading rivers and streams, kicking around a lake in a float tube, paddling and fishing from a kayak or canoe, or casting nonstop while standing a boat deck. Then there’s the laid back side to fishing, where you bait a hook, cast out the line, settle into a lawn chair, pop open a cold drink, and rather hope the fish don’t bite and disrupt the tranquility.
Variety is another reason that my interest in fishing hasn’t waned. There are hundreds, thousands actually, of species to pursue around the country and the world, both fresh and saltwater. Each species offers the angler new challenges and a chance to explore our wonderful world. For me, the journey and new experiences is more important than the catching.
Variety doesn’t end with species and location. There are a myriad of fishing techniques out there, ranging from 
noodling (fishing by hand where legal), hand lines, rods and reels using seemingly infinite number of baits, lures, or flies, fish from shore or boat, cast or trolling … There are endless ways to fish.
Fishing has another dimension to it that’s not as prevalent in other sports; you can have a hand in creating much of the gear you use, especially the bait, lures, and flies. Some items, such as hooks, reels, and lines fall almost exclusively in the realm of manufactured and store bought. But others such as rods, baits, lures and flies, the angler can have a hand in their creation. This adds another dimension to the sport.
Over the years I’ve build a goodly number of rods, both spinning and fly rods. Many march down this path for the monetary savings they perceive making. In reality, you don’t save much, if any, building your own tackle, especially if you factor in the value of your time. What you do gain is the ability to customize your gear to suit your specific needs and the satisfaction of fishing and catching with a rod of your own making.
Making your own fish catchers, baits, flies and lures is the aspect of the sport that many fishers, including myself most frequently engage in. I’ve actually started tying flies before the fly rods became a favored fishing tool. At the time I primarily spin fished and used flies with a casting bubble with good success. Fly tying became a standalone hobby, in that I found I enjoy tying flies nearly as much as fishing. It wasn’t long before I found myself tying beyond my needs and started selling a few just to support my new hobby. I no longer sell my creations. Today, I have trouble keeping up with my own needs and replacing those flies my buddies abscond with.
Making your own tackle adds another dimension to an already great sport. Consider giving it a try, if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to occupy your time when the winter snows fly.
Email Dave Coulson at dave@fishexplorer.com.
Sourced – http://www.coloradoan.com/story/life/2016/09/04/coulson-never-get-bored-fishing/89842552/