SOMETIMES WE GET SO BUSY FISHING, CATCHING AND RUNNING THAT WE FORGET TO FULLY APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE. AS MY BUDDY AND I WERE FILLETING FISH TODAY WE WERE REMBERING THE OLD DAYS, SMALL FISH, FEWER FISH, NO LIMITS, AND REALIZED THAT THE "GOOD OLD DAYS" ARE NOW.

IN THE LAST MONTH ALMOST ALL OF MY TRIPS HAVE INVOLVED CATCHING SO MANY FISH (200-300 PER TRIP)THAT WE BEGIN TO EXPECT THIS AS A NORMAL GOOD DAY.

I REMEMBER CATCHING 20-30 A DAY AND GETTING SO EXCITED THAT I COULDN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT TRIP.

MAYBE WE (I) SHOULD TAKE A MIN. TO FULLY APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE.

I HAD THIS THOUGHT LAST YEAR AND HAVE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO, DEDICATED MY REMAINING FISHING YEARS TO HELPING OTHERS TO LEARN MORE AND TO MORE FULLY APPRECIATE OUR RESORCE AND SPORT.

IT'S GETTING LATE, I AM TIRED, AND STARTING TO RAMBLE.

GOOD NIGHT ALL.

ERNEST

That's a great thought Ernest. We are truly blessed if we can just take the time to appreciate what we have , not what we had or still want. Guess I'm saying to live for the moment and take it as it comes, both the good and bad.

Ernest you are absolutely correct I myself remember days that we would consider a good day of fishing was when we caught enough for a meal.Now we catch and release so many fish sometimes it seems crazy.Now dont get me wrong we still have days where we cant even buy a bite.But all in all the fishing just seems so much better these days.

And as I do get older I think we learn to appreciate things more often.I myself have been as guilty as anyone about taking fishing for granted as something to just do.But now days I cherish every minute I get to spend out on the water or outdoors with my family and friends I really do appreciate them.And it really dont matter if we catch fish or not I will always make a good time out of it.


Ernest once again I thank you for bringing up an interesting point.We all just learned something more valuble than fishing lessons from you. Thanks Arkansasrob

Me and my wife enjoy our time out on the lake fish biteing or not.

I remember when I was a kid and me and my dad would pull in boat loads of trout down at the coast and I also remember the amount of fish declining over the yeard due to red tide etc...

The truth is tho that I have the most enjoyable memories with my father catching (or not catching fish) together that I will always cherish.

I may not have my dad for much longer and god willing I can atleast take him fshing in MY OWN BOAT NOW for one last hoora!!! be it the coast or a lake down around san antonio.

I cannot wait till I can take my next vacation from work so that I can take him out at least one last time

Again fish cought or not is no matter its the time spent with the ones you love.

Hawke!

Ernest,

You put into words what I often think to myself when I'm on a trip with Customers. Seems the older the Fisherman (or Woman), the more they appreciate "Just being on the Water". They have Fun, but it's not unusual for the Seniors to put down the Rod to observe Nature, or have a pleasant conversation, or certainly to watch a Sunrise or Sunset. They appreciate it so much more than the average person who is intent on catching a bunch of fish.

The other end of the spectrum is the Kids (10 and under) who delight in catching a fish and don't care if it's 3 inches or a 3 lb. White. They squeal and strut and compete and just have the time of their life.

Ernest...As you've known and now see more and more firsthand, You and I are the truly blessed ones. We get to be a part of "Making Memories".

Have a good one, and we will one day chase those Crappie on RC!

Royce Simmons www.rc-fishing.com/GoneFishin

dont make fun of me, i still like catching those 3 inch buggers...