The Landing of Chester McFarland...
Travis Frank
Last night was a very typical Sunday night for me. I went to church and then hooked up the boat for a peaceful and quiet sunset on the water. For me, it really doesn't get any better than that, and just the perfect way to wrap up a busy weekend. If you were outside in Minnesota last night, then you can probably relate to the unbelievable weather we had. Wow! Now for the story...
With the days becoming shorter and shorter as of late, we didn't have much time after church got out. Quickly we changed from our church gear and hooked up the boat. Mike and I joked about the fish we were going to catch on the way to the launch, but deep down I had just one fish that was on my mind. With the sun quickly fading, we hit the water with high hopes. My goal was a fish that we have nicknamed Chester McFarland. I'm not sure why the name selection, but this fish has eaten a lure from my boat 6 times in the last few weeks. The funny thing is that none of the hopeful anglers have been able to successfully land the fish. This time it was my turn to try. I knew exactly where this fish was living, and I went straight to his location. As if it was scripted from somewhere up above, Chester devoured my measly offering from the depths. Instantly I knew that this was the fish that I have been after for weeks. It was cool to say the least. He came up and gave me a good look, and I just had this rush that came over me. A rush that I haven't felt in a long time. It turned out that this fish had power over me. Yes physical, but also mental because of the way he was able to escape so many times. Suddenly this was more than the typical battle. Somehow beyond my wildest dreams, this beautiful fish had managed to stay on the exact same spot for nearly 3 weeks. This was a spot that just gets pounded by fisherman every day, yet he waited for me to battle him. Maybe it wasn't quite as deep and intense as that, but when I saw this fish on the end of my line, these were the exact thoughts that I was thinking and feeling. I guess they call it fate, but after a few moments I was removing the hooks from this beasts mouth. A happy picture and admiration of the flawless fish that I was holding, and after the release I got something that I haven't had in a long time. I got the shakes....