Fly-fishing has long been viewed as a hobby, but in recent years, it has been broadly accepted as a sport. However, I would further reduce this categorization to the idea that fly-fishing is simply a passion.

 

Regardless, it is passion that we all hope for in life. If my kids grow up to be truly passionate about something, I will be so happy for them. I recently sat down with Ben Johnston, CA Upper School junior and one of the first “Leaders-in-Training” for the fly-fishing program, to ask him about the impact fishing has on his life and where his passion originated.

 

Ben says he learned to fish at an early age. “I had my first asthma attack when I was fishing at the age of 2. But, I always loved it—I liked being outdoors.” I love that he associates what could easily be cataloged in the brain as a traumatic event, as a positive experience.

 

In his 1901 book on fly fishing, Sir Edward Grey suggests, “When a man has a hobby it is to be hoped that he learn reticence; that he will never go into the world at large without a resolve not to talk about what he cares for most; that in society and places where they talk, he will carry his delight within him like a well guarded treasure, not to be unlocked and disclosed in all its fullness on any slight or trivial inquiry.” He goes on to describe that you do “unlock” yourself when you greet another with the same passion.

 

This theory held true as Ben and I sat chatting about fishing—our age and societal gaps were diminished to a common thread. When asked what is his favorite part about fly-fishing, Ben first explained, “I really don’t like this question.” But, he settled quickly and followed with pure conviction, “There is so much I learn on the river, like patience and persistence, which I take into my social and academic life. Additionally, there is so much I take to the river to sort through, like the many worries of my social and academic life.” Fly-fishing has a gravitational pull on the spirit and marks a place where we fishermen, as fundamentally explored in the world of positive psychology, find our “flow.” The term “flow,” coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is “a state of concentration so focused that it amounts to absolute absorption in an activity,” perhaps so much so that you lose track of time.

 

From my experience taking Ben fishing when he was a sixth grader, to witnessing him guide our younger students, I can honestly say he operates in “flow” each time he wades into the water.

 

When Ben is on the river, he is content with nature. He observes the many clues about weather, water temperature, stream flow, and macro-invertebrates to solve one of Man’s most natural challenges—catching a fish with a fly.

 

Fly-fishing is allowing Ben to truly embrace the idea of how one must continue to fail in order to succeed, saying, “Sometimes, you change so many things and nothing works. But other times, you figure it out perfectly and it seems like you are a hero.” This idea is talked about in schools across the country, but Ben found this inner motivation or work ethic on the river and applied it to school. Ben attributes much of his personal growth to experiences on the river.

 

In a world dominated by texting and social media, many people struggle to understand the benefit of interpersonal communication, but not Ben. When I asked if he has grown in any specific way since starting to fly fish, I was pleasantly shocked at the clarity of his statement. Ben described his enjoyment for teaching other people to fish, detailing, “the way one’s eyes light up when they figure out how to do something that they didn’t know they were capable of doing.” This appreciation for others’ growth in the sport shows empathy and is a developmental benchmark in the psyche of an outdoor enthusiast. Some people don’t find this benchmark until late in life, if at all. To hear a young man identify the very intrinsic reward that drives so many of the experienced to share their passions with neophytes was refreshing.

 

The ultimate measure of commitment to any sport can often be seen in willingness to sacrifice. Before school was in session this year, I received an email from Ben asking if there was going to be a fall fishing trip. “If you are running a trip, I would love to help out, and I can make any weekend work,” his email read. Wow. Ben sacrifices a considerable amount of free time, without any compensation, to help run trips and get kids excited about being outside.

 

It might not surprise you to learn that Ben pursued a summer job this past year at a local fly shop, Trout’s Fly Fishing, owned and operated by a CA alumnus. What better sacrifice than to forego other summer opportunities and surround yourself with others who share your devotion. Ben continues to immerse himself in the sport, but more importantly, he continues on the perpetual learning curve, employing the growth mindset, as we commonly refer to it.

 

As for Ben’s future, he hopes to pursue an environmental degree in college and in some capacity align his vocation with the outdoors. No matter his goals in higher learning and career choice, one simple truth is clear from talking to Ben: he will forever carry this passion for his hobby, fly-fishing. And, he will routinely look to share it with a wide crosssection of his contemporaries.

 

We don’t always get to choose our passions; more often than not, they choose us. Following your passion brings out the best of who you are. In short, the next generation and the future of fly-fishing are looking awfully grounded with young people like Ben leading the way.