Laplandica

Sure, it’s nice to fish alone. Whether working the shore of a rushing brook at sunrise, patiently surveying activity on a secluded lake or contemplating catch tactics while gently bobbing in a boat, fishing is often more enjoyable with companionship. A fisherman’s spouse, child or close friend would be considered the first choice. But, for the best company a fisherman could ever ask for, can anything be better than a dog?

For myself, I have two dogs and always take them with me fishing. I can’t find better friends. One compatriot will often sit next to my feet and the other just a few feet behind. Both silently survey and keenly study the water in anticipation that I will pull out of the depths a whopping trophy for them.

To get a dog interested in fishing, I recommend patience and training starting at about one or two years of age. Naturally, your dog should at least come when called, used to being in the outdoors and wanting to be with you.

I start out with small fish. As I pull one in towards shore, I make excited sounds and calling in order to catch the dog’s attention and tell them something fun is happening. The dogs usually place themselves at the water’s edge, concentrating on the action in the water before them.

I pull the fish up out of the water and unhook it. I can sense four eyes are intensely watching as I hold the fish in my hand and then I let each dog sniff the tail. Not too close so that they want to take it in their teeth, but just enough to remember the smell. Then, I let the fish back into the water in front of their noses and watch as both dogs, ears up and eyes riveted, wonder where it disappears to. I have one dog that is so engaged with the fish that it will even step into the water trying to re-catch it.

There is a practical use for having a dog with you. Where I fish, there can be moose or even bears. I can be so lost in my thoughts that I can forget what is happening around me in the bush and my faithful partners will be the first to let me know of unexpected intruders…including other fisherman.

What are some more advantages with a fishing dog?

As a boy I was brought up being silent while fishing. I learned that normal talking or scraping sounds on a boat would scare fish away and any communication was through a cautious whisper or two. A dog’s way of communicating is just about perfect. A slight lift of the ears, a simple look with its eyes or a small shift in stance tells you everything. Your friend agrees with whatever you are thinking. Want to use a fly? Use a fly! Want to change to a whobbler? Go for it! Want to go farther downstream? Hey, I’m right after ya!

Democracy is total in as much as there is never any protest as to how, when or where to fish. With a dog, you get the best answers to everything. Never any arguments with bad decisions. Never any comments with an unsuccessful day.

What more faith and support can a person ask for from real friends? No nagging. No cynical comments. No putting one down. No “try this” or “do that” advice. My buddies sit with blind faith that their leader, who so generously thought to take them along in the great outdoors, will not let them down and is doing his absolute best with fulfilling the task of the day.

So, Want to have great companionship when fishing? Think of your alternatives, then take the mutt!