What type of clause or phrase is italicized in the sentence below? We hit a snag while rowing to shore. past participial phrase noun clause adverb clause nominative absolute elliptical clause​

What is the tone of the following passage from a river runs through it by norman maclean? “this was the last fish we were ever to see paul catch. my father and i talked about this moment several times later, and whatever our other feelings, we always felt it fitting that, when we saw him catch his last fish, we never saw the fish but only the artistry of the fisherman.”