It was not only a great day on the shores of Zabriskie Pond, but the fulfillment of anticipation that surrounds the annual fishing derby in Wyckoff. While for some it may have been a last minute decision to come out and be a part of the event, for most it was evident that planning was part of the fun. Bait, tackle, hooks & lines; chairs, snacks, drinks; gloves, boots, buckets and dreams.

Rousing up a little earlier than warranted on a Saturday morning, and being some of the first to break the stillness of a suburban morning on route to the local fishing hole. It was testament to the proverb that one should never be late for church, work or fishing. Feeling the pull of generations past and future with the morning opening up a ritual as ancient and fundamental as eating and breathing. Then descending the green slopes leading to that sleepy body of water where the hopefully hungry fish lie.

Wyckoff is very active in seeking to protect the environment: on a municipal level the single stream recycling eases and encourages more residents to recycle; and, The Friends of Wyckoff is a very active community organization working on a variety of projects and issues the help benefit the environment we live in. The theme of the Wyckoff Fishing derby this year was geared towards edifying residents on how to help protect our waterways. Many street sewers are actually conduits for fresh water leading to brooks, ponds, rivers. Water from the street drains in and carries with it whatever pollutants be it oils or trash; the same is true for properties bordering water ways, as the over use of fertilizers & pesticides can bring poison to fish & wild life. It was only one of many lessons that can be learned from fishing.

Patience is probably the greatest lesson to be learned, by participants of all ages. Adults learning patience as they help children with baiting and casting, and children learning patience in the waiting. Patience is a Virtue, and in an age of instant satisfaction, what better way to instill this virtue than the old fashioned way. What better way to learn that being patient, being prepared, and being ready to respond when opportunity knocks in the guise of a fish are real world skills.

BubbleShare: Share photos - Easy Photo Sharing