Two Seconds

When fishing for walleye, there are two seconds of the process that are absolutely vital, and that are packed with incredible anticipation.  Walleye fishermen know that walleyes do not have a very aggressive bite.  It’s actually more like a very light tap, as though someone has gently tapped the end of the rod with the tip of a finger.  This is why walleye fishing is done with very light gear, so as to make the tiny tap of the strike all the more evident.

But one must not set the hook when the tap is felt.  Walleyes take a moment to consume the bait after the first bite.  If a fisherman sets the hook immediately, he will likely pull the hook from the fish’s mouth and give the walleye a free meal.  So a walleye fisherman must discipline himself to wait, approximately two seconds, before setting the hook. 

Those two seconds are magical.  Once the tap is felt, you know there is a fish on the other end of the line, but you have no idea how big or small the fish is, as the walleye bite is the same, whether the fish is 12 inches or 30 inches.  You won’t know the size until it hits the surface.  I’ve had a 16 inch walleye that fought so hard I was certain was close to 30 inches.  And I’ve had a 27 inch walleye that was so lazy it felt like I was reeling in a log.  

Encapsulated in the tap of a walleye strike is mystery, wonder, and excitement.  What kind of fish is it?  How big is it?  Is it an eater?  A trophy?  But to solve the mystery, and to experience the wonder and excitement of the catch, you have to wait two seconds before setting the hook.  If you are overcome by excitement and set the hook too early, the mystery will remain unsolved, and your excitement will turn to disappointment. 

To me, walleye fishing is about as good as it gets.  The anticipation of those two seconds is filled with drama and intrigue. Who knows what God has placed on the end of the line?  There’s only one way to find out: wait two seconds and then set the hook like your life depended on it. 

God offers us that same hope when we put our faith in Jesus.  We have to wait for a little while, and sometimes the waiting can be difficult.  But a time of rejoicing is coming!

Excerpt from "A Glorious Arrangement: Christian thoughts on hunting, fishing, and creation" by Joel Detlefsen