The fishing was good: it was the catching that was bad. – A.K. Best, Production fly tyer, fly fisher, angling writer (1933- )
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you. Particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish. – Mark Twain, American writer and humorist (1835-1910)
It looked like it was going to be a good day for fishing. The temperature felt comfortable; water levels were right where he wanted it. The ramp was clear. Sam and his buddy headed to Grenada Lake early in the morning between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Takes about two hours to get there from here. There had been talk about good fishing going on at Enid Lake and Sardis Lake. Only made sense Grenada Lake would be ready also. However, it was not to be. The fog was heavy, and the fish weren’t interested. Buddy caught one crappie and Sam caught none. That has never happened. After he arrived home, he moseyed out to our lake to catch and release bass. That was good to know as we had dug out the lake a couple years back and wondered if the fish survived, looks like they did. If we need to restock the fish, you’re talking about buying bass and bream fish about an inch long for fifty cents each.
Not to be outdone Sam decided to fish Luxapallila Creek streaming nearby Mississippi and Alabama. It turned out to be a warm day in the 70’s and there was no fog. Sam left about mid-day fishing would be a good idea. Momma always said February was the coldest month of the year, but it turned out not to be so this year. When he got home, he reported you can’t get in the Lux by the ramp area but it’s not the only option.
It turned out to be a really nice fishing expedition. Caught one 14” speck, one 15” female white crappie, three two-pound bass, one three-pound white bass. He reported he hooked two more keeper crappie, that he lost off the hook. There were five more big fish that gave a good pull.
While Sam was fishing, I was at the YMCA. I ran into a friend who asked about Sam and his fishing. He asked if I had heard Brad Paisley’s song about fishing and he laughed. Back in the car I googled it and listened. It was dead on. Paisley’s wife said she was leaving him because he was always fishing. Brad said he stays out fishing ‘cause he’s gotta get one more bite. I couldn’t wait to play it for Sam. I’m still laughing over it. Makes a great YouTube.
Personally, I don’t mind Sam fishing as long as I don’t have to go along. Nature is good for the soul and we both enjoy being in nature and viewing nature daily. It’s a great healer, and bringing crappie home is good for the freezer and the table. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 44 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 44 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
