Used to be... that was a typical sign placed on the front door of little shops downtown back in Columbus, Indiana. It was at a time when folks knew what was truly important... taking that grandchild to the lake with his first fishing pole or just going alone.. to ponder the questions of life and relax. Fishing wasn't a "sport" back then and it didn't really matter if you returned home with a stringer of fish. It was a way of life.. enjoyment that brings memories for a lifetime.Sometimes... the catch of the day was simply remembering past good times, experiencing the present or making plans for the future.
But if one lucked out with a great stringer full, there would be that neighborhood fish fry. The kids would take turns turning the crank on the old ice cream maker while one would sit on the maker to keep it from moving about. There was alot of laughter and mischief going on lol. After getting our fill of the feast, we'd run off to play tag or baseball in the field across the street. The men would gather in the garage to play poker while the women cleaned up and then settle on the front porch to discuss life.
One could walk into the local cafe to hear the men talk about the whopper that got away.. or the new lure that they traded for a pocket knife and works like a charm. Their eyes would light up as their stories got bigger and bigger lol while their wives sat and smiled.. knowing the truth.
Kids enjoyed fishing. They learned patience and respect for their surroundings. When they got bored, they would wander off to find a swimming spot, chase a lizard or lay in the shade and daydreams in the clouds above.
Ohhhhhhh.. the excitement as one gets settled in their favorite fishing spot.. threading that nightcrawler onto that hook and casting it into that " perfect" spot! It cannot help but bring a smile as the drinks are opened and one leans back and watches the bobber. Nothing comes close to the feeling of watching that bobber begin to move and jump.. the flutter of the heart.. the tense few moments before that float goes under! Feeling that fish give a fight as one reels it in...the mind seeing a 12 pounder cat and it ends up being a nice size crappie. But who cares! It will always bring a smile and even a chuckle. It is never a disappointment if you catch something.
Sadly, fishing has become a sport.. a science.. a chance to try new lures. Bigger, faster , more fancy boats. High-tech rod and reels that you have to actually read the directions on how to utilize.( SIGH) Sorta takes all the fun out of what was once just a simple past time and joy.
Humm.. now that I think about it.. perhaps it wasn't the actual catching of the fish.. as much as everything combined that made it so much fun. Something you could do with family and friends.. or do alone. Bringing friends together.. pondering life.. enjoying teaching little hands how to take a fish off the hook. From 2 to 102 would fish. Creed, color or religion never came into it. Rich or poor. It was something for everyone. Amazing, huh?
Oh well... I will take my simple Zebco, little tackle box, fat nightcrawlers, some cold drinks and head to my simple life away from the city anytime! And the sign on the door will say...
CLOSED FOR THE DAY... GONE FISHING

Awesome....Fantastic to read...

The days of going fishing and sitting and relaxing and enjoying the outdoors is going..It is now about competitions for money or prizes...Nothing better then to sit on a jetty/wharf/sand bank, and throw a line in...Stimulating, peaceful and awe inspiring...Those were the days...