Henry Rifle Forums

Two things happened yesterday at the Preserve I fish at. Fishing is allowed only from a boardwalk crossing a pond that is about 40 yards long. It is about 10 ft from the water level to the top of rail. I got set up and realized my line was tangle up around the reel. In the process, my lure went into the water and was immediately hit on by a small bass. I could not reel in because of the tangle so I did a hand over hand retrieve. The fish was small and I threw it back . That was my first and only catch of the day. Now for the feel good story.

After about 2 hours I was about to pack it in when a mom with three kids showed up all under 10. Two boys and their sister. They were prepared to do some fishing. Mom was carrying tackle, fishing poles, and pushing a stroller. The boys hand their buckets to sit on. I could tell this was not her first rodeo as she had them all organized within 20 minutes and fishing. This included put the spin cast poles together, putting the bobbers on, and putting worms on. All this while keeping an eye on the little one as she wander up and down the boardwalk. I finished packing up when I heard " Mom, I got one". I looked up and his little Spiderman pole was bent over about in half. His mom said reel him in, he tried but he wasn't strong enough so mom took over. She got the fish close to boardwalk but could not get it out of the water. I knew she would have trouble lifting what every it was up to the deck so I went over to see if I could help. I got there just in time to see that is was a big catfish. The fish was trying to get under the boardwalk but i grabbed the line and pulled it away and started to hand over hand the fish up over the rail and on the deck. About 4 pounds I guess. The kid could hardly hold the fish for pictures. He was so proud. Mom pull out her pliers out her back pocket (moms are so prepared), unhooked the beast and threw it back in. As I walked away I looked at his gear as another fisherman mutter to himself is that all you really need is worm,a bobber, and a hook. So right.
As I walked to my car I passed her and said "good job ,mom" She smiled and said thanks. Made my day.

Great story and thank-you for what you did. I was that very kid at one time in my life and I got the help I needed to go fishing. I guarantee that little one will never forget his great adventure and the help he got.

I can relate to the first part of your story very well. That seems to happen to me quite frequently when I go fishing. I spend more time with tangles than catching fish. I dont go very much Im just not much of a fisherman. Its nice to see Mom takin the kids fishin that doesn't happen very often I dont think and its alway those kids that catch the monster fish. Nice you were able to assist with that catch.

Good for you for helping out.

I also can relate to part of your story. At the lake, I have a canoe, two types of motor or I can row it, a regular boat with a trolling motor and some of the best poles and reels man could create. I still catch more off the dock with a worm and bobber.

Good story!
Sounds like a good day out on lots of different levels.

Great story and good on yah for helping out. Miss T and I always tried to take the time to stop and answer questions or offer advice IF asked when we were loading out to leave. I have often sat and watched while Tina gave fly casting lessons on the shore line beside the boat ramp. I'd pull up in the kayak and people would see my fly rods, and ask about the kayaks and the fly fishing and I'd offer, but turn them toward Tina, as I had found that having HER teach often worked better.

I could teach them fine, but Tina has a gift. As a farm girl, she can be harsh when the situation calls for it, but in the "Classroom," be it lakeside or an actual classroom, she can be magic. She also has a beautiful long cast. Again, hat is off to the OP for his taking the time to lend a hand. We expand our sports when we do these things. Be it shooting, fishing, bowling, or golf.

Too often those with years of experience look down their noses at the newbies or those not as polished. That attitude can turn them away or steepen their learning curve to the point where they lose interest. We certainly want to keep our sports growing and expanding, no matter the sport.

I don't fish much anymore. No time, and the Oregon license fees got too expensive. Now that I'm over 65 I qualify for a Pioneer license. $6, combo fishing & hunting. Hope to get back to it when I retire in a year or so.

Anyway, regarding the first part of the original story, and a similar situation. I went fishing years ago with my barber at a reservoir up the McKenzie river. There's a floating catwalk near the dam. It's a good 40' deep there. My barber got a hit, so I quickly reeled in so as to not have my line out where his trout might tangle it up. I set my pole on the catwalk, letting the hook dangle in the water a foot or two. Laid my ankle over the pole (didn't want to lose another pole to that lake, but that's a different story). As he was reeling the fish in, I prepped the net, keeping one eye on the tip of my pole. When he brought it close enough, I netted it, noting that the tip of my pole was twitching nicely. Once he assured me he had it under control, I reached back, picked up my pole, and set the hook. I love that lake! We limited out in about two hours.