At 64 i lost my best friend and fishing partner, my dad. It had been 2 years since i had been on the lake when a very good friend of mine asked if i would fish a tournament. Now i hadn't fished for Bass in more than 30 years, but i said yes and so we went. The minute i stepped into his boat i Knew Dad was with me. Why had i stayed away so long. For 8 hours hundreds of good memories came back, it was a great day. Its the little things you think about. Now i am going as often as i can, Saturday was a great day on Hubbard, wife had bought me a new Helix 9 SI and it did not disapoint, we had fish for dinner.

Awesome

I have some very nice combos and fish very often, I try to take one of dads on every trip and have the same feelings when I do so. O I love it when I see that old rod bend again. Same for his Sako rifle and Parker shotgun.

Why does a bologna sandwich taste so good on the lake

Good read. I cherish the memories of fishing with my granddad and the lessons that he taught me while fishing, and in my later teen years having my first beer with him while cleaning fish. I have all his gear and one old boat I will never part with. I still use a few of his old ABU 5000's from time to time and it takes me back many years and I catch myself telling my kid the stories I was told as a kid while using those very reels. I also slowed down fishing after he was gone, it just wasn't the same until my kid started getting into it, now it is on again. Spending quality time with loved ones is what it is all about.

My pops was not around?? I pretty much learned on my own! Reads like this give me motivation to teach my kiddos that life is not forever.. Good stuff- thanks for sharing

All things happen for a reason! Sometimes it just takes a little time. You and your dad made some lifetime memories that will always be with you! Glad you are back fishing. Your dad will always be your fishing partner.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Thanks for sharing, Gary. I only hear good things about the Helixes. Congrats. What boat are you in? That's how I recognize ppl or even buddies out on the lake. Lol

I am in a 22ft Lowe (Pontoon), i would like to meet you guys that fish the lake. Have heard many good things about the RHSA and love to become apart of it. As far as the Helix goes i am just learning it. Have scheduled a day with Slade and i can't wait!!!!!

Great read Gary. Sorry for your loss. I'm just a young buck and love fishing with my dad whenever he flies in or I head up to Michigan and fish with him. So many great memories with him and now I am starting to make them with my 3 yr old girl and soon with the son who is 1. Lots of great folks on Hubbard and part of the RHSA. We would love to have ya as part of the family. Pretty sure jv's tourney and a breakfast are in the works. Look forward to seeing ya on the water!

Agree wholeheartedly Gary! My Dad loved to go striper fishing w me. Many great memories. He passed 2 years ago. He would have been 92 on Saturday. Thought of him a bunch!!!

Gary, my Father passed away just over two years ago. I have so many great memories and most involve being outside and on the water.

I fished Eisenhower every possible weekend for many years for anything that would bite. Striper was our favorite because of the boiling and churning they would do on top. Dad passed almost 3 years ago and he is most certainly with me every time I go out.