More of this Feature • Part 1:Mounting fish • Part 2: Eating fish  Join the Discussion "What are some of your best memories of fishing with your father, or a father figure in your life?" Ronnie
Related Resources • Fishing With Father  • Father's Day Memories • Fathers' Day Shopping • Teach A Man To Fish  • Fishing With Family
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My father did a lot to allow me to go fishing when I was young, and even after I got older and left home he continued. He seldom said anything to me directly about catching fish when I was young, but after I got married he seemed to open up more.

As a child I never thought he paid much attention to what I caught, although I knew he enjoyed eating the fish. As I think back years ago, I do seem to remember that people around town often commented on something I caught, and they would tell me daddy told them. I guess he was paying attention, and was proud.

The second summer Linda and I were married we were both teaching school and had the summer off. We stayed at the trailer at Clark’s Hill the whole month of June and I fished every day. Mom and dad visited often, bring dinner or just dropping by to see us.

One night at dinner I said I was going to catch a 12 pound bass. That was my goal and I would not have one mounted until I caught one that big. Daddy said if I did, he would pay to have it mounted for me. Linda asked how big a bass she would have to catch for him to have it mounted, and he said eight pounds.

About a month later while trolling, Linda caught one weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces. Daddy took us to Augusta to the taxidermists and paid for the mount. I am not sure who was most proud, Linda, me or him! I am looking at that mount as I type this and it brings back great memories of many things, including daddy’s smiling face.

When I was about 12 dad bought us a 12 foot fiberglass jon boat. I have not idea what he spent for it, but it was a lot for us back then. I used that boat many hours on local ponds, especially at the "state ponds" or the McDuffie Public Fishing Area. It was only about two miles from my house and dad let me drive our truck out there after I got my learners license.

Part 2 >Eating fish> Page 1, 2,