The Longest Silence: A Life In Fishing (2001) - Plot & Excerpts
We like to think of the idea of selective trout; it serves our anthropocentricity to believe that we are in a duel of wits with a fish, a sporting proposition. We could do well to understand that trout and other game fish are entirely lacking in sporting instincts. They would prefer to dine unmolested and without being eaten themselves. I was sorting out my books today and came across this little gem that I acquired when I came to France in 2001. I don't normally admit to the fact that I go fishing, well for trout anyway. I only began by chance shortly after our arrival as John didn’t have a partner one day and he begrudgingly took me in his friend's place. My instructions were that I was not to speak if I could help it; and sit there quietly, appreciating the tranquility of nature while he showed me a few rudiments of fishing. John makes his own flies but I don’t have the patience for that unfortunately.With fly fishing, it took me a while to spin the line correctly but I managed in the end. Jasper our Labrador sat there quietly too, which was a miracle. If he had been a nuisance, such as leaping into the river as he’s a water dog, he would have been taken back to the car. Whilst sitting there at the time waiting for the arrival of this elusive fish, I mused on the famous women who were also great fisher-women, for example, the Queen Mother and Diana Rigg.I personally prefer this form of fishing but it is not always feasible, depending on the banks of the river, the position of the trees, and where the pools are, etc. It is a wonderful way to spend a day. I did not catch a trout on that first occasion but I did on latter occasions. As for the elusive salmon, well they are meant to be at Navarrenx close to us but I’ve never seen one myself. I have, however, heard of others being lucky. It's still difficult for me to kill such a vibrant creature but we all eat meat and fish, unless we are vegetarians, of course, and I'm certainly not a hypocrite. I feel guilty even now though at the idea of taking life away from a living creature.I digress of course and return to Thomas McGuane. I loved this book for its honesty and the enthusiasm of the author. It was infectious and the descriptions and tales were a true delight. He travelled far and wide in his love of fishing, and even introduced his son Monte and they set off for New Zealand and other remote places. From Montana, Ireland, Argentina, etc. in McGuane’s adventures in pursuit of this love, we are shown how to truly appreciate this wonderful pastime. He also returned the fish alive to the water which was admirable.After a long period of methodical fishing, I finally come up tight on a trout. He holds throbbing for a long moment, then without any run at all is suddenly aerial. Four crisp dashes later and the trout is vividly alive and cold in my hand. As I return him to the river, I bend over and watch him hold briefly in the graveled current between my feet. Then quick as a light he’s gone. In conclusion, they say that fishing and religion are closely related and I’m inclined to believe that. Looking down the hill towards the roaring Saison River, yes that has to be the case.A highly recommended book.
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