BLOG: The common denominator

LET me tell you a funny story.

I was on my usual hour-long bus ride to work last week and saw a chap sitting a few seats away. On first inspection I recognised the face but couldn't place it. It didn't take long, maybe seconds, for me to remember where though, which surprised me. My wife keeps telling me how bad my memory is as I never seem to remember any orders she barks at me!

Due to the fact I digest any fishing program on TV I instantly recognised the chap as a lucky winner on Mark Berg's Fishing Addiction program aired on the Lifestyle Channel on Fox – Savas Pourouti. Admittedly I have watched the episode half a dozen times to try and locate "the hole" in the Finness River in the NT where they were catching all the jewies. I fish the river annually so I had a keen interest in that particular show.

Also, Savas is obviously of the same nationality, and almost sports my surname, so this piqued my interest further. Instead of sitting back and idly reading my book I made the effort to get up and sit next to him. With a bit of gesturing I made him take off his headphones which was met with more than a quizzical look. I must have seemed like a weirdo as no one speaks to strangers on buses - apparently it's not bus etiquette. I asked him if he was that guy on that fishing show. I saw his face light up which confirmed my suspicions even before he spoke a word. I then introduced myself.

Being a fellow fishing tragic, he recognised my name as the guy who writes for Fishing World, and in fact reads my blogs on this website. It was bizarre to hear him recount my blog on "tackle psychosis" as it seemed to strike a particular chord with him, then tweak to the fact I wrote it. It was instant friendship anchored by a common interest in all things fishing.
To add a little more bizarreness to the story I asked what suburb he lived in seeing we were on the same bus. He mentioned my suburb. I asked the street – he mentioned my street. I asked the number of the house – he said 46. I live at 45. That was a freaky conversation!  We have been neighbours for the past 18 months and we have never bumped into each other. If it wasn't for Bergy's fishing show we may never have met and we live 50 metres apart.

The point of the story, however, is fishing. While it's easy to get caught in the trap of concentrating on high tech gear, cutting edge techniques and space age technologies, the core essence of what we do is about camaraderie. Fishing allows us the opportunity to escape our realities and share quality time together, even if it is on a bus going to work. The sport transcends itself beyond the actual activity and this chance occurrence really highlighted that fact.

On the odd occasion I don't mind going solo. I enjoy the days where it's just me and nature. Admittedly they are few and far between as in my mind, sharing an experience with someone allows the experience to survive through conversation. Plus I have many companions that share my passion so finding a "second mate" keen for a boat ride isn't difficult.

For those without a large network of family members, fishing may very well be the conduit for people to meet others with a shared passion. I see this often at fishing tournaments and even people visiting the local tackle store on a daily basis. Fishing is a strong link to have that can sustain friendships for a lifetime.

Scientists will tell you it's the way the universe works. The law of attraction means we ultimately draw people to us that share our energy. While I'm no incense burning tie-dyed mystic wearing Birkenstocks, in this scenario it's a hard law to refute.
Fishing should always be seen as the vehicle, not the motivation. That way, regardless if you have a fishless trip you can head home having gained something more valuable. They may be intangible but memories are our most powerful legacy.

Has fishing brought you many friendships or is fishing for you purely a solo pursuit?