FISHING MEMORIES

My years as a youngster fishing with my father at small ponds were quite an experience. I remember being able to walk around the whole pond and fished mostly for Bluegills with a simple cane pole and bobber. Later years, we would go catfishing with my Grandfather at the rivers while using old casting reels with some sort of braided type line with no bobber most of the time which meant I had to learn how to watch the line or spool. I enjoyed this but found the old equipment to be somewhat troublesome and the staying in one area to be frustrating.
During my teens years I was introduced to big lake fishing from a boat with my Uncle. On the drive he would tell me about fishing this lake before and that we would be Bass fishing today. After stopping at the bait shop for a couple lures and advice, we headed for the lake. I recall how my excitement grew as we pulled up to the ramp and I looked out across this big lake.
As we got out on the lake and started fishing I remember well him saying "I caught a fish", with that I watched with anticipation while he struggled. He finally landed the Bass which was the biggest fish other than catfish I had seen and I asked him if this was a record Bass. Since I had used mostly live bait in the past, I suddenly felt like a real novice to bass fishing with this pre-rigged worm but it was not long before I caught my first bass that was about 14 -15 inches and I still remember how great that felt. I caught a couple more that day and the fight from these fish is what I believe hooked me on bass fishing and as I grew in my experience of bass fishing I could not wait to share this knowledge with others.
Now it was my turn to share with my wife Linda the thrill of not only bass fishing but the entire sport of fishing and the outdoors. Next was our girls who really did not have the same devotion for bass fishing as we did but it was the panfish that were more of a joy for them.
Later in the years there was nothing like the rewarding experience of seeing the smiles on our grandsons faces as they caught their own fish.
Since those early days Linda and I have many great memories of fishing trips, memories of our days of tournament fishing together and good memories of introducing others to this great sport of fishing that will always be with us.
An unforgettable trip was about 5-6 years ago when we took our friends bass fishing near their home in Southern, IL and once they both hooked into a nice bass, they were hooked. We still talk or laugh about John fighting the bass as it jumped out of the water, all while we were telling him how to land it.
Some of the best fish-catching experiences were introducing or exposing someone new to fishing or to fishing for different species of fish. A memorable trip of a few years ago was taking our friends to Bull Shoals Lake Crappie fishing. It is so great we all still re-live that trip whenever we get together.
Another more recent trip was introducing friends to Walleye fishing and getting the chance to say "don't put your finger in it’s month". And even better when we had the walleye fry that next day and having them tell us that was the best fish they have ever eaten.
Looking back, I think it was as exciting for us as it was for all of them and even though we are multi-species anglers today, bass still have a spot in our hearts. That lake I first fished does not look the same today, with all the development and the murky water but I still have those fishing memories. Fishing is a big part of who we are, we get pleasure from sharing what we have learned about fishing and we enjoy watching new anglers getting hooked on fishing.
This year introduce someone to the fun sport of fishing, a kid, a grandkid, a friend or a parent. One other thing to remember is there are also guides which can make it easy for you to take someone fishing with you. We feel it is our duty to share with others or make sure the next generation learns and experiences the thrill of fishing as well as an appreciation for our great outdoor resources.
EVENTS: Feb. 4 - Lake Camelot Ice Fishing Tournament 7am - noon .? This will be a fantasy Ice Fishing event - So come on out for a good chance to win something.
Feb. 4 - McLean County Sportsmen’s Club Wild Game Banquet / Fund Raiser at Interstate Center in Bloomington from 4:30-5:30 with Raffles, auctions and more from 6-9pm.. www.mcleancountysportsmen.org This Club has donated money from this event to fund many improvements at Evergreen Lake...
Feb. 11-12 -Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show come see us and Hoss’s Hawg Bait at this show in booth B-38 and get our 2006 Fishing Calendar at a reduced price.
Feb. 22 - Lake Camelot Sportsman’s Tackle Swap at clubhouse, we will be here too.
Feb. 24 - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of East Peoria Kick-off Chili Supper from 5:30-7pm at FOLEPI Building, this event will help us fund Cancer Research to give HOPE.!
Check our site for other events and watch for 2006 New Product reviews during this year at www.larrysfishinghole.com and be sure to order your 2006 Fishing Calendars with best days & times each day along with tips and the many money saving coupons such as Gander Mountain, Speed Lube, some tackle discounts and several discounted guide trips. Send a check for $10 to: Larry’s Fishing Hole P.O. Box 2602 East Peoria, IL 61611.
Have a SAFE and HAPPY YEAR and Till Next Time GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING !