"Tom Nakashima" wrote

Of course many of us have seen all different personalities in the sport
of fly-fishing as well. And I'm sure we've all been victims of spending
$$$ to support our hobby, whether it's buying a bunch of Orvis or A-Z
brand equipment to look good or dropping +$100 on specialty fly-line, or
traveling to different states or countries to cast a line.
The point I'm making here is, we should all enjoy the sport of fly-fishing
anyway we like,


Absolutely, And I believe each angler goes through many 'personalities' in
his journey through the sport AND most of us enjoy MOST of the different
aspects of the sport at different times. For instance, when I decide to
fish a soft hackle down stream on the swing in the Firehole it is mainly for
the relaxing rhythm of the cast, mend, mend, cast ... i.e. to enjoy casting
.... not for the fish catching. It catches a ton of fish, but it's that
relaxation that motivates choice of the technique at those times.

One of those intrinsic aspects often seen and heard, but seldom pointed out
directly as being part of the sport, is the friendly arguments over things
like "pattern vs presentation" or "rod as art vs rod=only a tool" and " when
does a fly stop being a fly and become a lure." These discussions are
to be found where ever anglers bump into each other and should not be
misinterpreted as, or allowed to become, real hostility. I've argued all
sides of all of them at one time or the other.

Now, as for casting ... it is very easy to see that IT is THE major
requirement and essential skill of the sport ... maybe I'll argue that side
next time G