In Our Words Canadians Reading Together

Gone Fishing

JEFFREY S. WENTZELL

My alarm clock woke me up at 4:30 a.m. I hardly slept last night. It’s finally here! Fishing season opens today. I picked up my fishing license last night, for fear the store would sell out early and I would have to wait another day. I paid my $17.25 and headed home to get ready.

I got my fishing gear out of storage. I use a six-foot graphite rod and a number 10 hook, a Zipco reel, with a six-pound test line, and power bait. I feel this bait, which comes in different flavours, is best for catching rainbow trout.

While the coffee’s brewing, I put all of my gear in the car. I fill my thermos with my coffee, and make some sandwiches. It is going to be a long day, and I look forward to it!

I drive to Sucker Lake, my favorite place to fish. It has the biggest rainbow trout. When I arrive at the lake, I set up my chair. I’m ready for my first fish. I get my rod out, put on my one-ounce lead weight, with a six-foot lead, add my hook and put on my power bait. I’m ready to cast off and try to get my first fish.

I sit back, have a coffee, and enjoy the world around me. I wish I could explain how I feel at this moment. The peace and quiet around me is incredible, the scenery beautiful! A family of ducks swims to the shoreline.

I see my line move! I’ve got a bite! My heart starts to beat faster as I get excited and try to get the fish to land. It got away! But that’s okay. It’s about being out in the fresh air that is important, and to enjoy the peace and quiet that Mother Nature offers. I settle back down again with my coffee in one hand and my book in the other. Ah! This is the life! The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it is a cloudless day. The freedom that nature provides is sometimes overwhelming.