You are not the only person with a fishing story that involves casting from a moving boat near the shore and getting the line snagged on an overhanging tree branch.

Who else has done that, you might ask. Well, that's not important. Just know that mistakes have been made. Others have been there.

Yes, it was embarrassing to find yourself letting out more and more line, as if flying a kite. But boats don't stop on a dime. Of course, you know that all too well. Don't you?

Sure, cutting the line right away was an option. But if the angler in question is a bit of an aborist at heart, the idea of forever saddling an innocent tree with a hook and strand of fishing line can be problematic.

To be sure, it would have been nice if no one had seen your misadventure. But chances are, you were fishing with a companion. And no doubt you clearly recall the convulsions of laughter. You remember hearing "I think you almost hooked a sparrow."

Here's the thing, though. You got past it. You put it behind you. You moved on.  

And just think how much pleasure your story has provided others over the years.

Yes, casting into a tree was pretty boneheaded. But in a way, it was also a gift.

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