Although sibling rivalry happens in all families, two boys close in age can be an especially difficult combination. Fortunately, they also can be an excellent combination. Today on my boat I had two young men ages 13 and 14. Not wanting to name my customers I will call the oldest boy Nathan and the younger boy Todd. Nathan was tall and very athletic with a sparkling personality. Todd was the opposite of his brother. He was not as tall, a little overweight and shy. When I asked the Nathan what his hobbies were he proudly told me of all his accomplishments in sports. He is a baseball and track star. When I asked Todd what his hobbies were he proudly told me�� Just fishing�

Today was just one of those days when hybrid fishing was SLOW.
I could mark fish on the sonar and drop a fluke right down there in front of the fish and they still wouldn�t take it. After fishing for 4 hours Nathan caught 9 out of the 12 fish (his dad caught the other 3) leaving Todd with �zero fish�. I watched Todd�s face as Nathan brought in all the fish as he just stared at his rod, waiting for that bite. While Nathan kept reminding Todd that he was always the better fisherman.

Todd never caught a fish all afternoon but missed several bites.

At 5:26pm I told my customers that we had about 5 minutes left before we had to reel up and go clean fish. I could see how let down Todd was but, I had tried everything I could to put him on fish. I walked over to him and said, Hey, drop your fluke all the way to the bottom and reel up one turn and maybe you can catch a catfish. He did and less than ten seconds later I saw Todd�s rod tip touch the water and he started yelling �I GOT ONE, I GOT ONE�" The fish was pulling out major drag. I coached him into letting the fish wear out and after a ten minute BATTLE the fish finally surfaced and when he saw that it was a huge blue cat with a head the size of a license plate he just started yelling and was all smiles. As we all looked at this beautiful beast of a fish i noticed Nathan pat his brother on the back and said " Awesome fish bro"

Todd had caught his new personal best, a 50lb Blue Catfish.

When I saw his face and his mother crying I had to fight back the tears. This young man had caught a fish of a lifetime, a story he can share with his friends and family forever.

I am so thankful I got share in this memory with him.

Tight Lines...........


(sorry no pics..but this wasn't about the fish)

Simply Awesome! Thanks Ms.Salsa for sharing a truly wonderful trip. That boy yelling "I Got One, I Got One", and seeing that Rod tip bending to the water had to be an unbelievable site to see. You are truly an ambassador of the sport. Again thanks for sharing such a story.



Side Note: I hope you post this is in the Striper Section also! Heck I hope you post this in all of the sections. This is one trip all should read!

Thanks... I will never forget the look on that boys face.. He hardly said a word on the fishing trip but when we got back to the marina he was telling everyone about his fish - He was a celebrity for the moment! He also asked me for some shad so he could try catfishing on his own this weekend - LOVE IT!

You made a huge difference in a young man's life today. It could lead to many positive things. Way to go.

Ms Salsa

I lady love you lol! These boys sound jut like my nephews . Which is the reason I always vote for the underdog.

Beautiful story Ms. Salsa!

nice story

Ms. Salsa, just now read this. Thanks for sharing it. You are obviously a thoughtful and observant person, and know how to tell a story well. Brought tears to my eyes. I printed it off and shared it with my wife. We can relate because we have 17 and 14 year-old grandsons in a similar situation - the older being like Nathan in the story. The younger will excel in some ways but hasn't blossomed yet. The older is a good kid and, like Nathan, I can see him putting his arm around his brother and complimenting him for his catch. Thanks again for giving me a good start to my day!!!

cool story!

nice story. Great job!

Thanks Dennis.. That day was so special

I appreciate all the kind words

Congrats Ms.Salsa great job Gal.

That's what its all about! Nice job Ms. Salsa!

nice work mrs salsa