Quiet Eyes on the Water

Most of us already agree that getting to the water helps quiet our spirit and

unwind from whatever our daily lives hold. Here we would like to focus on

quieting our eyes, especially while fishing. The concept of “quiet” eyes

improving sports performance has been widely recognized. Does this relate

to fishing? We think it does - maybe to specifically improve performance, or

perhaps just to help us get more from our time on the water.

“Quiet eye” refers to an extended visual focus on a point in the distance

before an action. Research shows that it works – the action is more likely to

be effective if it is preceded by this kind of extended focus. This is the case

where the target can be seen, as in the case of a basketball player who

stares at the hoop from the free-throw line prior to taking his shot, or in the

case where the target is not yet visible. For example, in clay target shooting,

a target shooter using this technique will quiet his or her eyes by gazing

intently at the sky, somewhere around where the clay target will appear.

Once the target does materialize, the shooter is ready to take the shot,

shifting the gaze to the target, but retaining the focus that preceded it. The

free throw is more likely to be made, or the clay target is more likely to be

broken, if preceded by a quiet eye.

The technique is not just about looking at the target as a single point with a

non-moving eye - certainly that could not happen with a thrown target at the

trap range. It could happen at the free-throw line, but research has shown

that fixing on the target alone is not the most effective. A better result

occurs if there is a period of gaze “fixation offset” away from the target so

the eyes are not darting around in a searching motion.  They are fixed,

quietly, at a point near enough the (expected) target to not require

significant head movement.  And t

hey are pausing there--resting.

Why this works has been the subject of technical brain behavior research.  

Here are some simpler theories. The quiet eye is calm. The conscious effort

to fix and steady the gaze demonstrates, and results in, a patient but alert

state of mind. A quiet eye collects mental resources. The eyes are not

darting around, making the brain process many distractions, and that

translates to focus that leads to better performance. And a quiet eye

actually yields confidence and positivity. A quiet eye makes you feel good

about what you can (and are about to) do.

What does this have to do with fishing? The “performance“ of the cast of fly

rod or spinning rod should be accurate, but in most cases precise accuracy is

not needed like it is at the trap range or free-throw line. Yes, it feels good

when the fly or lures lands right where you wanted it to, but that’s not

necessarily going to result in “success “if success means catching a fish.

But maybe that’s not what “success” means to us.  Maybe the three effects of a

quiet eye – calm, focus, and positive confidence, are goals in

themselves. The next time you’re casting, pick a point in the direction you

intend to cast, but not the exact spot where you are aiming.  Maybe further

away, maybe up, even to the sky. Pause. Focus. Focus even longer. And

then let the line go. There’s no need to shift your gaze the moment the fly or

lure hits the water – you’ll “see” well enough out of the corner of your eye if

a fish grabs it instantly– there is no need to be staring at the exact spot it

landed.

We are reminded of the movement of a heron. Departing from our brain

research, we turn to our imagination. The concept of the resting

concentration seems to describe the hunting techniques of the heron.

Picture the great blue heron standing in the water - its gaze fixed at a point.

The point may be a bubble on the water’s surface, or it may be a tree limb

just above the water, or it may be the stem of weed a few inches under the

water. No fish is in sight.  The heron Is still and strong and confident. It has

no fear or agitation. Its eyes are not darting around. It is patient and waiting.

Its attention and physical ability is ready – focused – just waiting for a

target.  Its eyes and its spirit are quiet. And then, like the clay target flying

out of the trap house and into the peripheral vision of the trapshooter’s quiet

eye, a fish appears. And the heron strikes. The heron is in its element. We

too, are in our element when we are rid of the distractions that deplete us.

Our focus on the water can give us rest and focus that we carry with us in

our lives.