Fishing With Family
The death of my father in early January really made me stop and think about the past, the future and the present. Seeing old friends, many of whom I had not seen in almost 30 years, further encouraged this reminiscing. Growing up fishing has molded my life, and I am grateful.
As my bio says, some of my earliest memories are of following my grandmother to local ponds. My mother's mother loved fishing and went every time she got a chance. Mom loved it, too, and I have many wonderful memories of fishing with her. Mother's Day always makes me think of fishing with her as does reflecting on some of my most memorable catches, several of which were with her. A "Fisherman's Prayer" that she cut out of the newspaper and framed for me still hangs on my wall.
Dad did not fish much, but he always let me and mom go. He did extra work around the farm to allow me to get away and fish. He did go with us some and I will never forget one trip for crappie. The fish were shallow in the spring and Mom, Linda and I were in our big boat, which was tied to some bushes, catching them. Daddy got to the lake late and paddled our 12 foot jon boat out to meet us. He decided to fish from it.
I do not remember exactly what he did, but suddenly there was a big splash and Daddy was in the water. He had tipped the boat over. He stood up, the water was only about three feet deep, with his rod in one hand and the paddle in the other. A wet, broken cigarette hung from his mouth. I will never forget the sight of him standing there and starting to laugh with us. That was in 1973 or '74 and it scares me to realize he was then the age I am now.
I have lots of other great memories of hunting and working with him. Also, other childhood memories of "growing up wild in Georgia" comfort me but make me yearn for lost youth. All those things that affected me growing up have influenced me to be the way I am now, and I am thankful.
Others have similar good memories of family fishing. Mommyfish sent me a great article about memories of fishing with her mom. Bryan Hurley found unexpected joy in taking his three year old fishing. Jim Delricco sent in an article about getting kids started fishing and how important it is to start them off right. And it is apparent Levi's dad is starting him off right from his "Phirst Phish" story.
I hope you have good memories of your past. If you do, tell me about them in a "fishtale." Also, you can also post information about it for others on my message board - you must register to post but can read the board as a guest. Also, if you have thoughts you want to share about this topic, let me know about it at fishing.guide@about.com. for a "Fishtale" or discuss it in the chat room on every night at 8:00 ET. Tell others what you like.
ONE YEAR AGO THIS WEEK - 01/25/99
- Sand Pocket Bass
Two fishermen showed me how to catch bass in January in Georgia!
TWO YEARS AGO THIS WEEK - 01/26/98
- Ultralight Fishing
Use thin line, light rods, small reels and tiny baits to catch fish.
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