Fishing  AmB.A.S.S.adores

                As a member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, B.A.S.S., it is a common practice to be involved in activities that benefit youth. Since becoming a member, I have participated in several Casting Kids contests, Big Brother/Big Sister events, and various other worthwhile functions. While fishing a club tournament recently, at Saguaro Lake, I had the unexpected privilege of bringing smiles to a group of individuals on the other end of life’s cycle.

                It had been a somewhat tough day on the water this particular day.  My partner had managed to squeak out his limit and I was struggling with two fish in the live-well, and time was running out.  We had heard rumors of three fish over 10lbs. being caught that week by the marina, so we motored on in to give it a try.  As we worked our way around the docks, we encountered a rather large motorized paddleboat with approximately 30 elderly passengers awaiting a leisurely tour of the lake.  When we pulled along side the boat, the captain was announcing departure was in ten-minutes.  We started joking with some of the passengers about possibly joining them if lunch was to be served when an elderly man then told us that it could be arranged, if we supplied the fish.  By this time we had the attention of each and every person on the boat, and when one of the passengers asked us if we were real life tournament anglers, they seemed to get even more excited.  At this time my partner, Duane, told me to show them my big fish.  (He had the limit, but I had the big one.)  As I pulled the four-pounder from the well, the group of curious seniors, welcomed her with a round of oohs and ahs.  Shortly after returning her to the well, a lady asked me how many fish I had in there.  As I was about to answer “two”, I felt a little tension on my dropshot rig I had just pitched under their boat.  I set the hook as I answered, “It’s about to be three!”  Duane grabbed the net and got into position.  The pressure was on as we had an eager audience watching our every move.  After a short fight, Duane netted my catch and pulled her into the boat as everyone on board began to cheer.  We visited with them for a few more minutes and Duane broke out his stringer of very respectable fish.  At this time, a rather concerned lady commented, “Oh those poor fish”.  We became somewhat ambassadors for the sport we love as we explained that we are only borrowing these fish for a few hours, and assured her that they would be released in excellent condition.  Everyone on board seemed to appreciate that, even the ones who wanted to eat our fish.  It was now time for us to say goodbyes as the boat’s engines fired up and the captain took the wheel.  Judging by the glowing smiles and the heartfelt waves sent our way, as we parted, this was a very worthwhile encounter for everyone.  We both realized just how much this group of elders appreciated our short time together.  I have always felt that it is important to share time on the water with our youth, but now realize we should find time for our elders just the same.  The stories they may share with you just might teach you something at the same time.  Good Fishin’, Kip Pollay (AZOD)