There are many amazing rivers, streams, oceans and lakes that touch each one of us. 

Even though there are many, we may have that one special body of water that fulfills our souls, gives us a purpose, and provides so many intangible things it’s almost impossible to be put into words. 

If we fish or just enjoy taking in nature it can be a conscious or unconscious appreciation of that water. 

At this moment it is very conscious for me. When Mom was 8 months pregnant with me, she and my Dad went to this river. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I ended up back there to fish.  And it was not a conscious decision. It just happened based upon relocating back to Connecticut after the 2009 economy crashing. 

Sometimes your soul has a plan for the better and as long as you follow your heart you may realize it, and you can be so appreciative of how things turned out.  

I have been fishing and guiding on this river for the last 10 years. At first, it was to fish and explore something new. But over time it became more. I starting realizing what Mother Earth, nature, the beautiful wild life, and this astonishing river that cuts through the mountains was really doing for my soul and my life. 

The memories made with clients, friends, and family started to fill my heart with pure joy and blissful moments captured in photos on my phone. 

The relationships made with new friends instantly because of the common bond we had, a love for this river and the fish that habitat it was overwhelming.  I started to pay attention to these thoughts and emotions in the moment over and over.  I realized more and more I wanted to share it with good people who I knew would appreciate it, and to share what catch & release was all about to preserve the incredible fish. Some of those people were life long friends, my Dad again, new friends, and clients. 

There is a gleam in someone’s eye, in a particular moment, when spending time on the water together and I say to myself, ‘you go it’! You feel it too? It’s not always spoken but felt between two people. It’s that magical moment when that person realizes the pure beauty and how special this river is. 

Appreciating our natural resources around the world is paramount today. How do we pass that on to the people around us? I believe it can be done by spending time outdoors together, on your river, ocean or lake that is dear to your heart. Share it emotionally and verbally with those who are willing. Tell them how special it is to you and why.  Make that bond for life, or just for a day. They will pay it forward one way or another. It’s like planting a seed. 

Back to the question at hand. How can a river sooth so many souls? It’s not about the biggest fish or most fish. The real trophy is life long bonds, rooting for each other and uplifting one another. That’s the trophy in all this. In a world right now that doesn’t have a lot of that, this is a platform that can be highlighted with caring, love, making special memories, and bringing people together! 

I know I am not the only one. I see it first hand on the river and on social media. It makes me happy. I love seeing people sharing and rooting for each other on social media and in person. The world needs more of this! It all starts with you, us. 

I cherish this river with all my heart, more and more everyday. What’s your river? 

-Stephen Pogodzienski 

IG: Pogo_Pike

www.PogoPike.com