I was fortunate enough to have several of those days this past Memorial Day Weekend. One day I fished with my ole' fishing buddy, and a new friend. We didn't catch a ton of fish, but we did have fun! A lot of fun! We joked, we laughed, we ribbed each other, then we teased each other, and we even harassed each other -- just a little. But mostly, we enjoyed each other's company. Later, after all the fish and anglers had called it a day, we sat down to a feast that would put many 5 star restaurateurs out of business. It was a perfect ending to one of the special angling days in my life.
The next day I fished with my new friend, my better half, and her mom. Some might think this was a match up for disaster, but dare I say, it was another stellar day. We laughed, we joked, and we teased each other, all the while catching fish, enjoying Mother Nature, and having a lot of fun!
The last day it was just my sweetheart, her mom and I. We caught fish, saw some great scenery and oh did I mention, we laughed, we joked, and we had a lot of fun!
No state or world record fish were caught that weekend, not even close, but with Mother Nature at her best, kind weather gods, and great family and friends, who could go wrong? Please don't think I'm tooting my horn, or braggin' about what a wonderful life I have. I just feel that as anglers we all need to appreciate that catching the biggest or the most fish is not always what fishing is about. We can have just as much fun, maybe even more, helping those around us catch the joy of fishing. Not the biggest or the most, but just getting the chance to be in the outdoors, to get some fresh air, and spend quality time with those you love and admire. Take a friend fishing. Take a loved one fishing. You may just discover that the biggest thing you can catch isn't in the water, but in the act of fishing itself! It really doesn't get any better than this!
With Free Fishing Day coming up, help yourself by taking someone you love, an ole' friend, or the neighbor's kid, and treat them to a day to remember. It truly doesn't get any better than that!