Older and Wiser

As my fishing buddies get older, the way we approach our outings has changed. We’ve learned that quality always trumps quantity, and the time we get to spend together is the real trophy.  Had we realized this back in the day, we would’ve spent more time around the table or campfire shooting the bull, enjoying cold drinks, and re-telling old stories.  If we knew then what we know now, we’d have done things much differently.  For example…

If I knew 10 years ago that I’d lose my father, best friend, and brother at such young ages, I would’ve worked harder to spend time with them.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, life is short and none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.  Instead of just talking about that fishing trip, set a date and commit to it.  Take advantage of every second you can with friends and family, because if you don’t, you’ll regret it when they’re gone.  

When you decide to buy a fishing boat, choose one that reasonably solves for 99% of your needs.  Don’t look for a vessel that covers 1% of scenarios.  If you have a family of 4, maybe go with a deep V or flat bottom style that can hold up to 6 anglers.  Don’t think you need a barge to haul ALL of your friends EVERY time you hit the water.  Had I known these things 20 years ago, I wouldn’t be on my 4th boat.  

Trout are aggressive, slimy, and fight to the very end!  Had I known this on my first wading trip to the Driftless in Northeast Iowa, I would’ve treated trout with more respect.  The consequence of my ignorance was a treble hook buried in the end of my finger while landing a chunky rainbow.  If you fish for trout with crankbaits or spoons, be certain you have a good grip on these little fighters before you unhook them.  Also make sure to carry a good set of pliers in case the worst happens.    

Small catfish and bullheads are like baby rattlesnakes, hard to handle with a terrible bite.  Before you grab a fiddler cat or short bullhead, it pays to mind their horns.  If you hold them under the pectoral fins to avoid the serrated barbs, make sure to adjust your grip prior to tossing them haphazardly.  If you don’t, the excruciating pain from the slashed and torn webbing between your thumb and forefinger will ensure you only make this mistake once.  If you’re like me and have experienced this “slash and grab”, next time make sure to hold the spiny bottom-dweller's horns firmly against their body and gently toss them back in the water to avoid a spiny surprise.

If you borrow someone’s boat, don’t assume they set it up correctly.  Back in the day I couldn’t imagine any fisherman installing a depth finder transducer upside down and backwards.  However, a transom-crushing crash and a wrecked prop in “8 feet of water” confirmed that it’s indeed possible.  When renting or borrowing watercraft, always do a thorough walk around and test critical systems at the dock before you’re several miles “up the creek”.

When you’re fishing with stink bait, don’t be a dipstick.  Take the time to find a sturdy stick to stab and steer your rubber worm through the muck.  Too small or brittle and it will break off in the jar, lost forever like the pit of Sarlacc.  Too big and you’ll drag more bait out on the stick than on your worm.  Moreover, when you’re done baiting the worm, leave the stick in a very conspicuous place (like in the jar dummy!) so you don’t lose it.  If I’d known these things night-fishing the banks of the Cedar 25 years ago, I could’ve avoided trying an evil-smelling brand of hair gel and hand lotion.   

When I was a younger man I thought my truck was invincible.  If I knew back then that four-wheel drive and knobby tires will get you stuck, I could’ve avoided getting buried in the mud.  Understand the limits of your vehicle.  On your next backroad trip to the catfish honey hole, remember that ground clearance is more important than tires or four-wheel drive.  If a spot looks wet, get out and try it on your feet first before plowing into it.  Or, if you’re a stubborn glutton for punishment like me, always pack a shovel.         

The most important thing I know now, that I wish I knew years ago, is that spending time together with friends and family during outings should be the number one priority.  Bursting livewells quickly lose their luster when you can’t share them with the people you care about.  As a result, for my crew, fishing until the last minute every day is no longer a priority.  On the contrary, knocking off early for a fish fry, settling old scores at the card table, toasting to late comrades, and telling “that” story for the hundredth time are our requirements for a successful outing.