Share Your Fish Tales

Why Fishing is Important to Me: My dad has been coming to our "lakehouse" (which began as a single room over the boat ramp), everyday since Lake Conroe was built in 1973/1974. He still owns the same boat he bought then, and still takes it out fishing every chance he gets. He feeds ducks, blue herrons, even an osprey! It is quite a sight to see all these wild creatures approach as my dad comes in from his latest fishing excursion! He is an amazing man, dedicated to doing his small part for the conservation of the wildlife here. Recently, the lake was very low, and my dad put tons of rocks around the small "island", owned by the river authority, to preserve it from washing away.

Submitted by Jerri, Montgomery, TX

My Favorite Fishing Trip: My favorite trip is the last one or the next one. I love every trip.

Why Fishing is Important to Me: Fishing cleans my soul and makes me feel refreshed. Catching fish is only a small part of going fishing.

Submitted by Freddie C., Vincent, AL

My Favorite Fishing Trip: As a kid I was notorious for landing the big fish and reeling the fish in as hard as I could because I was so excited to catch the big one, needless to say I would almost always loose the big one on the bank of the creek where we grew up fishing from failing to set the hook.

At 17 I went on a family fishing trip and during the 22 hr drive from TN to Lake of the Woods Ontario CA I decreed I would catch the first, most, and the all important biggest catch of the day. Trash talking as a kid was natural in the fishing world and I was a pro. Being excited and knowing the failure of my past endeavors I needed to finally close the deal on the "big one."

So as we arrived my hopes were fairly high. To ensure my victory I would need the biggest fish ah yes the Muskie would be my game I thought. So, there we were in the pristine lake in a small metal three person boat surrounded by Lilly pads in the Lake. It was beautiful; there I was with my little red and white Spoon which was dependable for our lake pike near home thinking we will surely catch the biggest fish. When my uncle interjected, "you're going to need a bigger spoon and lure!” and “The fish are bigger here than in VA".

"Oh!" I said this even made me more excited knowing I would definitely be on my way to 'Fisherman Glory' standing up holding my trophy for all the clapping crowd to see. As visions of Bass master tournament floated in my head, my uncle handed me a much larger 4 inch red and white spoon. After teaching the correct way to knot my swivel and lure I was soon casting my lure into the lake. My uncle, who had fished there for years, told us that the Muskie hit hard and I would know when I had one.

As I began to reel the line stopped abruptly! 4 inch red and white spoon it stopped! My Uncle was right! a Muskee or a large Pike I thought! Reminding myself quickly of my past failures of not setting the hook, I tugged on the pole with all my might as hard as I could.

I had it! That ole Fish would be mine!

Then it hit me. It literally hit me. Apparently with all the Lilly pads I was not accustomed to. I had snagged my first Lilly Pad with my Uncles 4 Inch Spoon firmly setting the hook only to find a 4 inch piece of metal with barbed hooks spiraling toward the boat.

My Dad ducked. ...I did not.

Sure enough the spoon hit me right square in the side of my head, I was in pain the barb pierced the skin, my ear to be exact , yes the 4 inch red and white spoon has successfully pierced my ear.

Needless to say I did hear my clapping, however laughing soon followed and I was enshrined for ever for making the "Biggest Catch of the Day".

Why Fishing is Important to Me: Its the 2nd best sport outside of Racing :)

Submitted by Jeremy, Virginia

My Favorite Fishing Trip: I've had many, but the best one is: This year I got a new Bass boat (Stratos) and took my grandsons out. We didn't catch anything to talk about. Just to see their eyes open up when they cast out their first line was the best. On that first cast they became pros and they told me how to fish. It was great.

Why Fishing is Important to Me: It's a way just to go out and relax. Open spaces enjoying the great outdoors. Doesn't get any better. It's the one thing you can do as a family and not go broke for. It's where you can get out as a family to have a good time together and have fun.

Submitted by Matthew K., Waterford, CT

My Favorite Fishing Trip: Before my father passed away we would hike every year up Deep Creek located in the western part of NC and camp for 4 or 5 days. The camp was located about six miles from the parking. The first trip as a small kid where my dad taught me the art of flyfishing would be my best fishing trip. That's when I was introduced to the beauty of our national forest. A place where you can go and the world seems to stand still.

Why Fishing is Important to Me: Fishing is important to me because of the memories of my father. It is a activity that I will pass on to my children.

Submitted by Mark S., Hickory

Why Fishing is Important to Me: To me fishing is a really relaxing activity and it's a way to relieve some of the stress I have from being a student. I help with the Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs Program so fishing is a big part of my life and I think it's important to get kids interested in fishing so that they can learn a new fun skill to keep them out of trouble!

Submitted by Jessica, Wayne Lakes, OH