The Future Looks Good...
Travis Frank
I remember when I first started fishing. It was an addiction from the word go. I recorded every fishing show on tv and read everything that had the word fish written on it. When I hit the water, I busted my tail for every bite. If it was time to leave I would stomp my feet and cry. I was never ready to go. Yeah, those were the days. In the past 24 years, not much has changed.
Last night I was brought back to where it all began. Meet young Eli Mau. A future star in the fishing world. He's the kind of kid that reminds me of me. A true fishing addict. If it swims, he wants to catch it. His favorite television shows all have fish as the star. Same story goes for his magazines. If he has his choice, you'll find him at the lake.
When we hit the water last night, he threw on my polarized glasses and it was all business. He checked my depth finder to make sure I had him on fish. Next step was to set his bobber according to the sonar. Where to hook the worm? He already knew. When to twich the bait and when to let it sit? Yep, he made that part look easy. When that bobber sank, he was ready for action. A monster hookset would follow that would make any grown angler jealous. And to think, he's not even 10 years old.
As the night drew on things only got better. When the action slowed, Eli reminded me that he was after crappies. Not pesky bluegills. He said, "I can catch these from shore. I think we should move." Without hesitation I followed his command. A quick boat ride indicated that he was right.
Eli found a new school of fish, and he proceeded to show each of them who was boss. Bluegills, perch and eventually the motherload of slab crappies! Some of them pushing a pound. As darkness fell the action only increased. Every cast resulted in a new fish and a new fight.
Some might have called it perfection, but not young Eli. See, he had school the next day and that part wasn't cool. We had to leave and he was not a happy camper. I can't say I blame him. Truth be told, if it wasn't for his dad, I think we'd still be out there. Catching one, after another, after another. I think the future looks good. Thanks to one star in the making! Until next time keep on livin' the dream!