I Love Fishing!

Lilley's Landing
Summer 2012

Yes! I have to admit, I love fishing! My dear Dad would take us fishing as a family. At the time I never appreciated the sport. It was more of an adventure than a fishing trip. We fished for crappie, catfish and perch. While my Dad fished the big stuff, bass! We mostly fished off of the banks of a lake or near a spillway. But when we went fishing it was an all day affair. We would pack sandwiches, and then stop at the store to pick out our favorite "Shasta" drink to put in the ice-filled cooler. In those days, sodas were a treat reserved for special days. Dad would set up our cane poles to fish off the bank. Then he started in with his fancy gear. He would set at least 2 lines in the water. Oh, how I wanted my own rod & reel! If we wander away or started throwing rocks in the water, that was the end of our fishing time. Dad didn't have time for that nonsense! If we were willing to sit still and watch our line, he would let us keep fishing and help us restring or re-bait our hooks. But if we didn't sit patiently and wait, and we lost our bait....well, no more fishing for us. 

Dad would stretch the day into the night, by building a campfire. Mostly for light and warmth, but also to keep away the East Texas mosquitoes which are the size of hummingbirds. That was probably my favorite part of the day. The smoky smell, the comforting warmth. Sitting with your back to the fire to look out on the smooth lake, you could see no other light, except gillions of stars in the clear sky and the moon.

I will continue to fish at every opportunity. The last time my Dad went fishing, we caught nothing! I took him and my Mom to Lake Taneycomo. We were only there for a few hours when a terrible thunderstorm blew up fast. 

I lost my Dad December 2012. I know he has scoped out the best fishing spots on the crystal clear river. He is talking with some famous biblical fishermen, and I know they are have a great time! When I cleaned my first trout....by myself, last year....I thought about how proud Dad would be to see me just jump in there and cut away! I will always love fishing! Thanks Dad for the memories!