Back to Basics

A bucket of bait. Two split shots. A hook. A bobber.

It’s 1985. I lay awake in bed waiting for the sun to rise. The anticipation is killing me. I sneak out of my room and into the darkness. I’ll be the first of my friends to the dock today.

My gear is tried and true. A Zebco 404 push-button baitcaster. A green, metal rod with a cork handle worn smooth.

The fog rolls off the water leaving droplets on my sweatshirt. I bait the hook. Loons are the first to break the silence. Followed shortly by the splash of a hollow plastic bobber.

A bucket of bait. Two split shots. A hook. A bobber.

It’s 2012. A Saturday afternoon in metro-Detroit. I have a few hours dedicated to crappie fishing. The yard work and the oil change can wait.

My gear shows it’s age. An ugly stick and Quantum reel closing in on 20 years old. Parts of the reel are missing. Most of the eyelets in the rod are super-glued in place.

Kids are gathering for an Easter egg hunt. The mom in charge barks orders. “Kids 5 and under over here. If you’re 6 or older, stand over there.” Gravel crackles in the tires of a passing car. It’s a familiar sound.

Followed shortly by the splash of a hollow wooden bobber.

I’m the first of my friends to the dock.

It’s good to know that some things never need to change.

First bass of 2012

Tossing Back the First Bass of 2012

Slab Crappie

The Bucket is Filling Up

Dinners

Still at it