Henry Rifle Forums

The other day I was at a local mill pond fishing from a pedestrian bridge. It was about 7:00 pm, the wind had laid low, the pond very still. Turtles were poking their heads up and the bugs were skimming. I was the only one fishing as the other guys had given up. It was so very peaceful. Then a young guy came up and was fishing for crappie under the bridge. He lost his hook and was re-rigging and ask if had a sinker. I did and gave him a few. We both then went about our business as talking wasn't necessary. We were enjoying the moment. It was all most magical the atmosphere. Although neither of us were catching, it was almost a zen moment. I was fishing with an 40 year old Shakespear rod and reel that I had rescued from the garage of my father-in-law when I was on vacation last month. Blasted the reel with Ballistol and then some Hopps and was like new. I decide to call it a day and made one
more cast and wouldn't you know, the jig was hit hard. The pole was bent at 90 degrees as I reel in the fish. Got him to the bridge but I could not get him out of the water and up the last eight feet up to the rail, as the reel just sort maxed out. I finally reached over the rail and pull it up hand over hand. The bass was the biggest I every landed. It weighed 2 lbs and 15 oz according to a scale the young man had. As I was taking pictures and unhooking the young man got a hit and he pulled in a small bass on his crappie rig. We both released and I pack it up as it was the most perfect ending possible. Picture is not very good as I still use an old flip phone (10 yrs.) and does not take as good as the new phones.

nice .... you helped give that young fellow a memory he will hold onto for a long time .... not to mention one for yourself ....

Good for you... a good day doesn't have to involve the catch... the experience is what matters.
Someone said, it's all about the journey.