Poker and Fly fishing

I know poker and fly fishing don't seem to have anything in common, but since i started fly fishing I feel that my poker game has improved a great deal. The obvious of patience. But more helpful the ability to adapt to your surrounds. Those of u who fly fish know that being able to read the water, see whats spawning, water level, current speed, water depth and temperature all assist in catching that trophy. Just so many variables. Much like poker. Figuring out the bullies and those fishing for they're cards, the "its all luck" people, the bingo players, the educated players, The aggressive and overaggressive folks. I guess i speak more for tourney play since thats were i spend a good portion of my poker time. Idk just some food for thought from the rambling mind of DIN.

I believe there are many similarities and skill sets that apply to both to be successful.

But I think in this note I will speak of the major difference. Most everyone I know (hundreds+) that enjoy the art of flyfishing do so for solitude. What? Most anglers that have taken on the pursuit of the wily trout with a fly do so because trout live in beautiful places. They really aren't out there to catch fish per se (although that's always preferred), they are out there because they have discovered something special.

They are as close to "God" as one can be on this planet.

You become one with the wilderness and yes you are hunting a fish but the more you do it the more you will find yourself observing your surroundings and just how amazingly gorgeous they are. You think, you dream, you explore.

I know this personally and have heard this said many times by folks from many different walks of life.... "I really don't care if I catch a fish, I just really want to be there."

The difference for me is that I have never to my knowledge experienced a closeness nor "godhead" emotions at any poker table.... it's a whole different environment.

All that said and disclosed, when convenient, I'll share the many similarities between the two. Good thread 'DIN.

Think the more you know about any subject, it becomes easier and you're more proficient at. If fly fishing helps your poker then sounds like it is enhancing the quality of your life. That is never a bad thing, added bonus is the poker.

Patience..... for sure a definite positive attribute in both.

Adapting, reading the table/waters. Every pool/table is a new set of variables. You mention current, temperature, levels..... all important to understand in fishing and of course in poker. Where is that fish laying? What branch/rock is going to snag me? Am I in position to cast/bet? Stealth. All variables that have to be conceived on every pre cast/hand.

Danger, bears, sharks, venomous plants and reptiles.... all come into play every step you take in either endeavor.

Presentation.... Presentation.... Presentation..... the all important presentation. You have made your reads, where do you cast to get the proper drift of the fly so that it will induce a strike? The take, the hookset. The reeling in. Dinner?

Yes, many commonalities in both poker and flyfishing. Ain't life grand?

Every time I step astream or sit at a table, I desire to learn something new. That does happen and that is a great thing. Oftentimes you come home fishless or get Ko'd out of the money. The important aspect is did you learn anything that you can apply next trip/session?

It appears to me you are grasping the variables well.... Good luck and Tight Lines....

AWW_DIN said:

I know poker and fly fishing don't seem to have anything in common, but since i started fly fishing I feel that my poker game has improved a great deal. The obvious of patience. But more helpful the ability to adapt to your surrounds. Those of u who fly fish know that being able to read the water, see whats spawning, water level, current speed, water depth and temperature all assist in catching that trophy. Just so many variables. Much like poker. Figuring out the bullies and those fishing for they're cards, the "its all luck" people, the bingo players, the educated players, The aggressive and overaggressive folks. I guess i speak more for tourney play since thats were i spend a good portion of my poker time. Idk just some food for thought from the rambling mind of DIN.

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Just a thought I can see the similarities between the fishing and poker. My Brother-in-law owns his Fishing business, (a small shop actually), I intend to see him on Saturday and I am determined to ask him how his "variance" is going? Is'nt that when one gets off the hook?

Good luck to you and anything that can help relax you and improve your poker cannot be all bad.

These most common and important attributes of these both are patient.Without patient its impossible to become successful in poker.

Im glad there were ppl with opinions on this thread . Fly fishing for me doesnt get me closer to god nor the wild for that matter. Personally I love all the variables in both poker and fishing. Mu mind moves a million miles a second and with both i find a calming. Both occupy so many parts of my mind if gives me this calming in which i long for.

May your lines all be tight and yours wins big

AWW DIN i understand totally see ya on this one. hears one for ya lol. i used to pro bass fish across the united states did this for a living for a number of years. i would use my poker game to help me on my mental preparation for my fishing and to break up the pressure i put on myself to compete on the level of fishing i was doing. oh and there's nothing like fly fishing ive enjoyed it all my life. i can relate to your post thank you for this one it has brought back memories of the past tyvm.

Funny thing, I feel the same way about poker and golf. Patience, focus, reading situations all seem to be part of both. And itting the birdie put in the middle feels as good as making the nut flush for me.LOL

bigjay

arizoney said:

AWW DIN i understand totally see ya on this one. hears one for ya lol. i used to pro bass fish across the united states did this for a living for a number of years. i would use my poker game to help me on my mental preparation for my fishing and to break up the pressure i put on myself to compete on the level of fishing i was doing. oh and there's nothing like fly fishing ive enjoyed it all my life. i can relate to your post thank you for this one it has brought back memories of the past tyvm.

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Thats awesome. I was huge into bass fishing myself. Never on a pro level but i was damn good. Just find more variables with fly fishing . And when i speak of how common they are i am referring more in the live in person sense. Poker is poker but when ur playing live ppl face to face, there becomes so many more variables to account for.

I only ever went fishing once when I was about 12 and I kept getting my rod twisted in a bush that was close to me. My bro-in-law who took me was getting so annoyed with me, he never took me again

Lol well since patience is such a liarge part of fishing ur bro-in-law must not be that good at fishing lol jk. this thread is just my thoughts on how similar i find the two to be for me. Also how perfecting one hobby can help in others. And u should definitely try fishing again. its great for the mind and spirit

AWW_DIN said:

Lol well since patience is such a liarge part of fishing ur bro-in-law must not be that good at fishing lol jk. this thread is just my thoughts on how similar i find the two to be for me. Also how perfecting one hobby can help in others. And u should definitely try fishing again. its great for the mind and spirit

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I don't even think he went again after that

Just imagine that the poker table is like the swimming pool.

The players are like those kind of fish swimming on it- different species like piranha, milkfish and we have the sharks.

hffjd2000 said:

Just imagine that the poker table is like the swimming pool.

The players are like those kind of fish swimming on it- different species like piranha, milkfish and we have the sharks.

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LOL i like that. I never really looked at it in that aspect. But i like it very much LOL