Monday, June 23, 2008

I Got Up At 3 AM and All I Got Was This Lousy Picture

I went fishing with my Dad and Brother on Saturday for my work fishing tournament. Honestly, I had a lot of fun even though I didn't catch a single fish and we ended up a few ounces short of getting a sweet third place trophy and a little Bass Pro Shop money. 

For me, I enjoy this once a year excursion to see what my big brother and my dad tend to do on a weekly basis. You wouldn't think it but it's an adrenalin rush. It was so exciting when either of them would hook into something and those couple of seconds before you know if it's a baby bass, a keeper, a monster or in one instance a big ass scary catfish. Ew. 

Another highlight for me is the playful banter between the boys. They don't know it but they are absolutely hilarious. Back and forth they go - one insult after another about each others fishing skills. Good entertainment. 

One thing about serious bass fishing I do not tend to like is the boat ride. Now I'm all for pleasure boating at a safe and reasonable speed but that ain't bass fishing. My brother has a bad ass bass boat. It's a Ranger, it's ridiculously fast - like over 65 mph fast. If anyone thinks that isn't that fast I challenge them to try it out. The force of the wind on your body and face literally takes your breath away (and possibly your contacts if you aren't wearing any sunglasses). Not to mention at 6 AM it was about 59 degrees. It also scares the bejesus out of me because at those speeds other boats seem like they will just ram into you at full speed before you have the chance to see them and turn the wheel. Now I know my brother is a highly skilled driver - but I get all worst case scenario about it. So my big brother did what I know must have pained him greatly. He went slow. He kept it around 35 mph for me - sweet. No panic attacks and I could actually look around at the scenery and enjoy the ride. Thanks man, you're the greatest. 

And the scenery. Wow. The lake is so placid and peaceful that early in the morning before all the pleasure boaters plow through the water. It's rare for me to be up early enough to watch the sunrise and to watch it on the water makes it worth the lack of sleep.


We all had high hopes and were pretty disappointed when we didn't win. But I had fun spending the day in Mantown. I hope they had fun too. That is what matters most after all.
We'll catch a limit next year guys! Count it!

No comments: