Fishing Dog

Recently, I received an email reminder for the 2012 Minnesota Bound Crappie Contest on Lake Minnetonka. This is the 44th year for the fishing contest! I've always been a fan of Ron Schara, Raven-the-Labrador and the good folks who combine their talents to make Minnesota Bound a real treasure for our communities and families. They've done much to make folks aware of the beauty of our land and the need to be good stewards of our woods, fields, lakes and rivers. Through the Minnesota Bound TV shows and documentaries, fishing clinics, event appearances and sponsorship of a variety of community programs – generations of kids have learned about the great outdoors. What a legacy! When you have a few moments, be sure to visit the Minnesota Bound website at www.mnbound.com.

Now I wish I had a good fishing story of my own to tell, but I haven't had too many experiences with fishing. Unfortunately, I wasn't born with an innate knack for fishing nor could I seem to develop the skill. I never quite got the hang of releasing the line and having the hook end up where I wanted it to land!

Where the hook DID land certainly produced some amusement for me. However, those that I fished with rarely had the same outlook – especially after too many failed casts. 

But one of my best memories related to fishing was when a child tried to teach me how to fish. He was methodical and very patient, gave me step-by-step instructions and encouraged me as I tried to do what I had been instructed to do. When I fumbled (which was often), he'd pat my shoulder and say something along the order of: "Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it. You just need to practice". When I finally admitted defeat along with a lack of good eye-to-hand coordination, my young teacher bluntly told me it was probably for the best. As we parted ways, his smile was kind. Then he calmly and serenely went back to his own fishing tasks. 

And as I walked away, my shoulders shook with silent laughter.