The leaves are falling, the frost is slowly creeping in at night and snow is predicted for the first of the week. But my heart is warmed with memories of a great summer (Dad and I got to fish together in August for the first time in ten years). We enjoy the outdoors and try to get out in the middle of it anytime we can.
For as long as I can remember, our family has loved fishing. As I walk down the hallway of my mind, some of the best photos on the wall are of family members with a bass, a walleye or even a bluegill. And it seems that whenever we go, there is always a little friendly competition as well. Whether it's first fish or largest fish or most fish, the winner gets a Dove bar on the way home. There has always been a contest associated with each trip out.This summer was no different except for one "small" detail. Sue now holds the 2008 record. Her favorite line (I can hear it, even in my sleep) is "all I need is a bobber, a worm and a hook." She does not appreciate the need to spend hours walking through Bass Pro or Cabelas. She cannot figure out why in the world, anyone would need more than one tackle box or pole. She can carry her "tools of the trade" in one hand (I need U-haul). But this year, she proved her point with style.
I was out in the boat, throwing everything in the box, into every suspect spot I could find in the lake. I was wearing out my reel, when I heard a scream from the dock. Her "bobber, worm and hook" had already served her well with several bluegills caught and released. She assured me that she was alright, but she had a "big one" on and couldn't get him in. When I pulled up beside the dock, she proudly displayed her trophy - 19 1/2 inch, 5 pound, largemouth bass - her biggest ever and the 2008 family record. Photos were taken and the big guy was released (he'll be a 6 pounder next year). And she caught him off the dock, and with just a... (you guessed it).
So on this cool Fall evening, I don't need a fire to warm my old bones. I have wonderful memories of a great family... a great summer... and the blessing of God to enjoy it all. I am also thinking of how I can get the record back next year. There's some great new lures in my fishing catalogs, and I wonder...
