How did you get started fishing?

[MOUNTAIN MAN]

I actually started fishing when I was 4 years old. Dad took occasional trips to the Mississippi River,(15 miles away), with me. But in those young years there was a lot bigger draw on my attention. I lived and grew up only a couple hundred yards from the Coon Creek, a nationally recognized trout stream. Mom spent two years from about ages 5-7 trying to break me from going to the creek without permission and returning well after I was told to be home and usually after dark. Then one day she broke down and cryed. "I just don't want you to get hurt". I won't forget it as long as I live. All I could say was "neither do I". Then for the first time ever I had the courage to tell her I hadn't been deceiving her when I kept saying I didn't realize it was this late. I explained to her as well as I could the incredibly hypnotic game that trying to outsmart trout, suckers, horned daisys, carp and creek chubs was. How after a while you can sense a fish that is right in front of you in an eddie or swirl even when you can't see it. She realized right then and there that time and its passing really had no bearing on a fisherman as long as he could see or feel his line.
After 47 years I'm still hypnotized...

[Rick Franklin]

I started fishing at about 5 with my grandpa. We would take his boat and travel trailer and head for the Ozarks, or lakes around the area that we all lived in. I loved it from the beginning. I would fish with him until I fell asleep in the boat. It is still like that today for me. Fishing is truly my life and there is not a day that I do not love it. If I have a bad day - I can go to the lake and the bad day disappears!
Rick Franklin

[WalleyeOne]

Great Post! I'm not exactly sure how old I was, I'd guess in the 4-6 range. My dad would take me down to the old stock dam a few miles from our farm in eastern South Dakota. A coffee can of night crawlers, a Zebco 404, and It wasnt very much longer, I was hooked on bullheads! Some of the best memories I have. Still smile today when I'm fishing for walleyes' and stumble across an occasional yellow belly. <///><

[mrwalleye5]

I have a dream wife.
25 years ago I met here and she got me into fishing. She accompanies me nearly all the time but lets me go with the "boys" whenever I want. She's done tournaments with me and I prefer her to any other partners I have been with.
I'm sooooo lucky!!

[Rick Gardner]

I grew up in the mountains of Colorado, and my dad started taking me fishing when I was about 3 years old. The Arkansas River starts about 5 miles from where I grew up, and it ran right through our property.

In the summer while my dad was working, I'd spend every last spare minute fishing that stream. I can remember many times fishing from sun up to sun down all the while wishing it would never get dark.

By the time I was 12, I was showing my dad how to catch fish on that stream. My dad liked to fish, but he always commented about how I was obsessed with it.

My dad came to watch me at the PWT Championship last year, and he reminded me about the early days on our stream back home. He said "your obsession hasn't changed a bit...you might be fishing for a different species now, but your passion for it hasn't changed."

I just love to fish, and I can't imagine my life without it!

Rick
Gardner

[Brad]

I started fishing with my Dad and older brother when I was about 5 or 6. Pymatuming, Keystone State Park, Lake Wilhem, Loyalhanna to name a few lakes/streams I grew up fishing. Now I am getting my own sons (ages 4 and 7) into fishing.

[Crossbow]

I started fishing at about the age of 7 or 8 with my Grandmother. All she had was a bucket of throw lines and a couple of rods and reels she couldn't cast--just held them on the ground with her foot, pulled line off, twirled above her head and let it go. Man we caught more fish (mainly rough fish)than we could carry. Went almost ever day in the summer. She taught me the love of fishing and I've been doing it ever since.

My wife of 40 years and mother of my two kids has been my fishing partner for many years now ---and she's good. It is not unusual for her to outfish me on certain species---but I tell her I'm kept busy manuvering the boat. If my grandmother was alive today she would marvel at the equipment we think we have to have.

We always included our kids on fishing trips and now we never pass up a chance to take our grandkids fishing. And they have been the greatest fishing trips of our lives.

Neat question to post -- Thanks
Crossbow.

[wallydog1]

started fishing with my grandfather 30 years ago.he owned a boat at
a marina in lorain.fished lake erie for perch.he use to keep a refridgerator with a keg in it at I beleive it was kopper kettle marina. they use to call him the mayor.

[WAeyes]

Grew up catching jumbo sunnies with a cane pole and bobber on Lake Osakis MN. Still have a 2lber on my wall that is almost 30 years old now. Those summer vacations with the family sure bring back some good memories.

[Atomic Eye]

Started fishing at such an early age I can't remember when I started. My family used to spend dad's one week vacation in northern Wisconsin in the late 40's early 50's. We never caught many fish, but I always was inquisitive on whether & why the fish might be in one place vs another (bunches of years before structure fishing).

When I was in graduate school at UW in Madison, I used to spend my lunches reading Master's and Ph.D. theses in the limnology library on the movements of fish in Lake Mendota. Bought my Lowrance "Green Box" in 1969. I still have it and might consider selling it as an antique for a good price?

One winter around 1970, I laid out a 100 square yard grid on Lake Mendota to "sound" an area by every foot to get an accurate depth map to try figure out why 40"+ N. Pike always came from one ice hole.

Have loved the why's and where's of fishing and continue that in the high desert lakes of New Mexico in the pursuit of Marble Eyes. Will retire in a few years and will probably be one of the first WE guides here at that time. IF, we still have enough water in ur reservoirs to allow us to launch my Lund.

Atomic Eye (New Mexico) -- "Gone Fission!" ~~~<}}}:>

[Chad]

Started fishing with my father and grandfather at around age 7 or so. Granpa would get up early to make sandwiches and then we would drive 15 minutes to a neighboring town where they had mass really early at 6:00 at the nursing home. We were on the water by 7:30.

Those days spent onthe water with them are ones I will never forget and ones I hope to have with my own son this summer. He is 3 and we hope to get out this year. He already knows what fish is Dads favorite, of course it is the "Dalleye". Cant quite get the W in there yet.

Had him at the trout pond last year for the boat show and a friend asked if he caught any. My son said yup. My buddie asked how big. Without even being coached my son spread his arms as wide as he could and said "This Big". Priceless!

[firebird]

My grandfather started vacationing in Minnesota during the early 1900's and bought land and built cabins on Ten Mile Lake during the teens. We still go to the same cabin now. I really don't remember the first time, but it has been for all my life and I am almost 51 years old. We are in our 4th generation and our kids also love to fish. Hopefully the fifth will come along and I can help my grandchild the love of fishing and Ten Mile.

[LeftOut]

I am jealous reading about all the family ties in the preceding posts.

My dad didn't want to fish. All he wanted to do was sit in his chair, smoke, drink a beer, and read (porn, at that). Our extended family was what shrinks now call "dysfunctional" and I never saw much of my grandfathers from either side.

Fishing? Well, after an exciting time working for Uncle Sam in the late 1960's, I wound up with 2 bad knees and a rebuilt shoulder. Eventually, after 3 surgeries my doc said I had to give up skiing, golf, jogging, and softball. So I decided to take up fishing ... at the ripe old age of 44.

Been at it 10 years now. I work at it hard and am learning from a whole bunch of sources. I am not ready for tournaments yet, but I can get us on fish pretty readily. I love the challenge. I love the outdoors. And I love to fish. Too bad I got into it so late. Oh well.

[IaCraig]

When I was about 5, dad took my sister and me down to the local small river with bamboo cane poles and we caught bullheads from the bank. (that was at least 35 years ago). Over the next 10 years dad gave me one of his old Langly bait cast reels and a 5’ rod which I used for everything. (creek chubs, carp, catfish, bullheads, northerns & perch). I think I got hooked for life one night when I caught a 8 lb catfish floating some chicken livers down a small river. Back then dad never had a boat, and his gear was very basic, but I never noticed. He couldn’t go fishing often, but I am grateful to him for whenever he could. Now that dad is 77 and retired he has become known as king of the panfish. Over the last 10 years I have taken him to Canada 7 times, and this year we are hoping to make it a 3 generation trip by taking my 9 year old son along. (I plan to take that old Langly baitcast along too)

IaCraig

[Big Sky]

Funny how coming from a family of only sisters (3) that I totally love fishing. Although my dad was from god's country (UP of Mich), he was only a casual fisherman at best. I often ponder where I got this desire. My dad's dad (my grandfather)fished, but that enthusiasm gene must have skipped a generation. I was never fortunate enough to meet my grandpa and only 2 of my dad's 5 brothers cared much to fish. My family would vacation once a year to the UP, but it always seemed like it was my dad's rest time with a thought of going fishing some time during the trip. I don't recall time in hours back then, but I do know that the day I knew we were going fishing, I would be the first out of bed. I would bet it was before sun up. In fact, I was the first out of bed every day while we were there with the anticaption of going fishing. All my sisters, mom and grandparents would be sleeping and content. My thoughts were on fishing and the minutes seemed likes days. I didn't know the word "pissed off" then, but I can vividely recall all the mornings I would wake up so early and wondering why my enthusiasm wasn't being shared with me by my dad. We only had a 14' boat at that time, but it my dad's pro boat in my eyes. Nonetheless, we would eventually make it out and catch fish. I think the anticipation, the beauty, quality fishing, and supsense got me hooked. We never did catch walleyes, only pike and perch. However, I knew as I grew older this lake had some big fish. That intrigued me even more. I was/am fortunate to have the privelage to fish and catch awesome fish on a system that doesn't get much pressure. I think that added to my interest in fishing a great deal. I still can't recall the age I was, but I would guess that I was 7-8 yrs old. Even though my pop hasn't evolved into the fishing fool I am, I can definitely thank him for introducing me the best sport in the world!!

[eyechsr]

I have often thought about those old memories, alot more the last few months as my granny died in sept. she was the one along with my mom and aunt that would take me and my brother fishing on the mouse river in N.D.,We were real hi tech with our zebcos,steel poles,bobbers huge hooks and a smelt to catch N.Pike, or liver for bull heads. My dad taught me to hunt but the women taught me too fish, and mom is still the one that enjoys it the most.
As I got older we lived in Washington with a fine steelhead river in our front yard, but me and the other boys liked catching big carp and transplanting then into Klienline ponds --Do you remember how much fun that was Ron b.?

[Schnauzer]

This is a fun thread. I came to the level of my current involvement in fishing in a little different way. Most guys have been fishing heavily for as long as they can remember.

Although I was lucky enough to grow up with a family cabin on Mille Lacs, I didn't get in as much fishing as one would think. My Dad would take me - to the rocks in the spring and the flats in the summer. But, with a couple older sisters and a brother, plus my dad being 44 years older than me, I think he was a little worn out on baiting hooks and dealing with the circus that comes with taking a little kid fishing by the time I came along. In his defense, he always had upkeep and repair work to do on the cabin and as I figured out later, had limited fishing knowledge. I couldn't expect more from a guy who had lived his entire life on the prairie - hours away from good walleye water (and a boat).

But, I loved it. I always kept fishing in the back of my mind - through high school and college when I'd rather party and chase women than fish. My brother bought a new Lund and I used it more to waterski than fish! Even after college I was pretty bogged down in a life that didn't allow much fishing or the purchase of a boat. As recently as three years ago, I wasn't buying a fishing liscense until mid summer, or not at all. It was always in the back of my mind though.

Everything changed a couple years ago when I got my boat. Now I've spent 50+ days on the water each year and I have attacked the books, internet, good fishing friends, and anything else I can think of to get better. I used to look longingly at the fishing rigs and the fisherman towing them when I drove up north in the summer. Now I'm one of them and I love it!!

[Smitty]

I started much as my 2 boys are starting now, with family. It started at a young age when we lived in the Waterloo area fishing the river for catfish, etc with Dad. By around 11 year old or so it included an annual fishing trip to West Central Minnesota with the folks (who of course had been going there for years with my Dad's parents).. My family still does a 1 week trip to that area with my parents every year and I get my boys out fishing every chance I get.

I guess you could say it's "Family Tradition"..

[Lund AnglerMJ]

What a great thread..nice to focus on the good in America. At a time we look to deal with a menace to the world. I started fishin the world with,Dad. My best friend,and one I looked up to,all my day's. He would take us (my brother Lindel and me) to the Allegheny River,and fish with buddy's of his,at Camp Aliquippa..an Indian name-sake.Rember the guy's leaving us kids in the camp,at night and returning with a turtle,the size of a tire,in the back of a pick-up. It bit a broom handle in half,as we tried to get it to move!!Yes,they made soup,too!!We'd also fish on the bank,and fall asleep,as Dad kept the vigil,all night long.Also,the day came we got an old boat,the mill he worked at sold it to him.An old Arkansas Travler...and home made trailer.Used to drift Pymatuning Lake,and catch Walleye.Tha first day of Trout season,here in Pa. became something of a religion.We'd bet on the first trout cought,and the biggest on too.I miss him...but he's on every trip we now make.

[big Dog]

I can remember fishing brook trout in western montana around 4-5 years of age. also remember catching walleyes at Fort Peck Reservoir in Montana, bullheads, crappie, sunnies, and walleyes at Pomme de Terre in Minnesota, and walleyes and northerns(catch a northern on every cast) at Jan Lake, Saskatchewan. I guess you could thank my father (and mom) for all the opportunities.

[jigtugger]

Merged families at 8, this new stepdad of mine would drag us "up north" to camp/fish almost every weekend. Well, we grew together, all 6 of us, in a 14' wooden, flat bottom boat with a 5 horse Johnson on the back (turn it around for reverse). We fished sunfish and northerns, and ate a lot of fish. Then we bought a bigger boat, and in addition to those camping trips, we started going to NW Ontario twice every summer. I think back now and wonder how my parents did it? Not much money, but we always managed to make those 2 trips and usually we brought grandma and one of the kids friends! That made 8 in an 18' Starcraft, all trolling for northerns. I asked my dad once when I was about 16 why all we ever did was troll on those trips...and he just smiled and said "What else could we do?" good point I said.

Now this post is making me want to plan for our trips this summer!

[Tracker185]

Started Fishing when My Uncle ( May the Lord Bless Him) Bought a lot on a Lake in SE wisconsin not a Big Lake but full of Big Bass and a few Northern, I remember on day him my father and I were Fishing in a Rented Boat, we caught about 20 Good size Panfish and I caught 2 Bass on Back to Back Casts. well my brother in another boat Say" DID YOU GUYS CATCH ANY?" I grab the stinger untie it from the boat and show him, After he says wow I put the stinger back in the water but forget to tie it back up to the boat. My Dad makes me take off my shoes and try to find the stinger on the bottom of the lake. Never did find those fish, wonder if they are still alive. That was 30 Years ago.
One of the best trips I ever had was with my uncle and my brothers and my Father up in eagle river, we rented a cabin for a week, On the way up I was reading about Northerns and all the books talked about the dardevils spoons. so after we got settled in the cabim my father and uncle had to go to town to get fishing Licence, as they are leaving I ask my dad if he would buy me a Dardevil? He says we have enough Lures so I give him some of my own money to buy the lure. Before we go out my Dad says whoever catches the biggest fish of the day gets to have a Beer Mind you I was 12 years old. The fisst day I just Caught one fish after the other I Hammered them. The next day everone in our Group was throwing a Dardevil, But at the end of every day I was always Shucking Down an Oldsyle. 30 Years later I'm still out fishin people and sucking Down Old Styles Life is good some Time thing never change T185

[esoxlucius]

Ummmmmm, lets see, went from no time to fish to 50 days a year overnight? Sounds like a real stretch to me.

[Schnauzer]

E-gad - you're not going to follow me around with sour grapes over that other thread are you?

If you care that deeply... I just finished my second year with my boat. Prior to that, I fished a couple weekends a year up at the family place with a borrowed boat. It was the addition of the boat (and a ton of fishing knowledge gained here and elsewhere) that let me go from 4-5 days a year on the water to 50+. Does that seem like a stretch to you?

I've got fishing logs and witnesses if it would help.

Just a little thing about me... I don't carry grudges from one thread to the next. For all I know, you're a great guy and I'd enjoy fishing with you.

This is a fun thread and I'd hate to see it get clouded up with something personal. Send me an e-mail if you'd like to continue the other discussion and I'll write back.

[HARSH]

Actually started out my life swimming. Went fishing one day with my Dad, ended up coming home with my Mother. At least that is what my dad told me. (True story.) Born with a fishing rod in one hand and a shotgun in the other. (Maybe not quite so true.) That was 50 years ago and haven't let go yet. Ain't life grand!

[Xplorer]

OOps, wrong spot!

[Xplorer]

I gotta tell you Mountain Man, your tales of Coon Creek bring back some memories.
I started out as a kid fishing off a friend of my dads dock in Madison (monona or mendota cant
remember). They would sit on his deck and "converse" (a/k/a cocktail and cigar) while I would use the
worms I picked out of the gutter after it rained (tons in our neigborhood) and caught perch after
perch. I also used to fish under a friends dock for crappies, between the slats.
Moved to Lacrosse WI when i was in third grade. My dad used to go and visit a freinds farm past Coon
Valley every so often, and I would get him to stop at coon creek on the way home. Used to catch
some trout and chubs on worms, also fell in a few times trying to get to the "spot". Eventually got
into fishing on the mississippi, at first off the banks around goose island and south towards genoa.
Funny thing is, noone else in my family ever fished before and none of them do now. My wife's family
is heavy duty outdoorspeople, and she cannot figure out how in the world I ended up enjoying the
things I do. Alot of it goes to dodging a few cowpies to get to some small fish in Coon Creek:)
Xplorer

[PTC]

Lawrence,

My grandparents lived on a chain of small lakes in central MN. I spent nearly every weekend of my life there. Fishing with my father in one of the boats, (usually a 14' cedar strip boat with a 1941 5hp Johnson) or fishing off the dock at first. I grew up fishing every nook and cranny of those lakes.

I moved to the east coast for several years after college, and did not get much of a chance to fish then. When I moved back to MN, the 1st thing I did was buy my 1st boat. It opened up a whole new world, of other lakes to me.

Now I fish out of an 18' Aluminum boat with a 150hp outboard, electric bow mount, rod holders, GPS, 2 depth finders, live wells, etc. I still love it. Can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.

Well except being 10 years old and out in that 14' cedar strip boat with one of my cousin's fishing for crappies & sunnies.

[scooter]

I started fishing when I was 3 yrs old.My late Uncle, Musky Bill started me fishing at his fathers my grandfathers place in central Wi.on a small mill pond and creek.I remember the thrill I use to get when a red horse sucker would take the bait and fight like there was no tommorow.I also remember bounceing down the logging road in the pickup mounted camper with pots and pans flying out of the cabinets after we would hit a large pot hole.As a boy of 5 and being taken to the honey hole for muskys was a thrill.
I remember swiming in the river as my uncle sat waiting for the musky to take one of the suckers we had caught earlyer.I still sit back and smile at the thought of my uncle yelling at me to get over there quick as a musky had taken the bait.Even though that fish was mabey 30 inches I thought it was largest fish that ever swam.It certanly was the largest I had ever caught at that young age.
I was with my uncle when I caught bluegills on a little lake in S.E.Wi.and he would make a bluegill fry for my mother and little brother that was out of this world.
As I grew older we didnt get to fish together that often as he took on a new venture buying a tavern on a lake and turning it in to the fishing head quarters and place to be on the lake.But he made a point of checking up on me now and again.
In the last years of his life we spent more time together and even went fishing a couple of times.He still could out fish out hunt most even after discovering he had brain cancer.The best part was if you just wanted to talk fishing he was more than happy to do that.

scooter

[Stinger WI]

My dad and grandpa started taking me out with them a short little trips whem I was about 4 years old. I would last an hour tops and then we would go in. I think by my dad not forcing me to stay out long was the key factor in getting me interested in fishing. I fished my first tiurney at the age of nine and actually won big bass honors, which I won a Zebco 33 and a rod with a bunch of baits. I would give anything to be able to fish with my grandpa again, I get my dad out every now and then but we mostly just talk about the old times.

[BlackSilver]

Grew up, poor, on a farm in NW Minnesota, a half century ago. Sundays me and my two brothers and Dad would go to Twin Lakes on the White Earth Indian Reservation. Dad would rent a boat (heavy wood lapstrake monster) from the Pinehurst Resort at Naytawaush (still standing 55 years later) and we'd fish for northern on North Twin, or drag the boat across the road to South Twin and fish for bass. Walleye catches were accidental. Cost of the boat was $1.50 for an afternoon, and we saved our nickels to do it.

Dad had 3 or 4 old short steel rods with Shakespeare bait cast reels, and a dozen or so Daredev'l lures which he painstakingly repainted each winter. (If you lost one to a snag, you dived in and found it!)
No electronics, no outboard, no trolling motor, just oars and a coffe can full of cement for an anchor. Tobacco can full of worms dug up from back by the manure pile.

Dad and one brother long gone to heaven now, other brother lives in California and I see him at funerals and such. Dam, I'd give $10,000 for just one more afternoon on North Twin with those guys.

Walk softly and carry a big fish.

Hans/MN
--
"If you don't go fishing because you thought it might rain you will never go fishing. This applies to more than fishing."

[Tennessee Jed]

I may have started sooner, but my first memory is from about age four. My dad would take my brother and I out to a pond on the golf course at Eden Isle, Arkansas. We had cane poles, poppin' bugs, and a bobber. The one time I actually caught a fish, I cried all the way home because my dad wouldn't let me hold it in the car; it had to go in the trunk.

Now, almost thirty seven years later, after living as far away as Minnesota, I'm back just three miles from the golf course. They drained the pond long ago to remodel the golf course, but that's okay. Me, my pop, and my brother hit Greer's Ferry Lake all the time now for the walleyes that probably weren't stocked yet in the lake back in 1966!

[great!]

I think that's a great story also. Who says you have to be raised fishing to enjoy it...or even do it well?? I think the only thing that having fished a lot as a youngster gives you is the passion. It sounds like you have that!!!

Don't count yourself short when it comes to fishing tournaments, you never know...you might be great at it!

[Starfish]

Mom took me to the creek at home in Montana when I was about 6 or 7 years old, and we cut willow poles, tied on a hook, and caught grasshoppers for bait-- and a few little cutthroat for dinner. I was lost forever. I got my hands on a Zebco 202 and started hiking down to the pond every chance I got. When I was 9, I met an older couple fishing the pond, and they let me try their Mitchell 300 spinning gear. That was when I went from lost to hopeless; I begged and saved for my Eagle Claw Trailmaster and Mitchell 300, which served me for over ten years. Now, at 6, 8, 10, and 12, my kids have all caught trout, bass, walleye, steelhead, and salmon. Only one of them so far (10 year old daughter) seems to have the bug as bad as Dad, but all four are fish magnets. Gotta love it!

[MOUNTAIN MAN]

A quick visit to mom tonight reminded me that now days she is the one asking me to take her fishing, sending fishing related cards , trinkets, and collectibles and still asking all those worried mom questions.

I just wanted to say to those of you who have said in different ways how much you miss some fishing buddies that have left you. I understand what you mean my father and Leon Korta,( a polishman's polish man who taught me fishing was a event ), started a new journey many years ago. I also appreciate those of you who reminded us all that once a fishing buddy always a fishing buddy in spirit if not in body.

But to Xplorer I have to say .... Only someone who had been there would know that dodging the cowpies to get to the creek is as much of an adventure as fishing on the Coon Creek. I learned very quickly to not just look were I step, but where I sit. LOL

[Guest]

My dad took me fishing when I was 4.

[livebait]

Actually i didnt start untill six years ago got hooked (ha! i made a funny) from my old boss from a few great trips. The experience was such a rush that i changed carriers and now work for a sporting goods store. Kinda funny how life can change in the blink of an eye.

[france1960]

My first fishing trip was with my grandfather who we called "Poppy" and a neighbor of his. We went to a small farm pond in Bidwell, Ohio. Using one of Poppy's Zebco 202s and a very light action rod, I hooked a 12" largemouth bass. I was six years old and I couldn't reel in the fish. I put the rod over my shoulder, turned around and started walking up the bank. Of course all this time I was yelling. Poppy's neighbor, Mr. Atha, came running and helped me land the monster. I was as proud of that fish. Great memories!!!!!

Jeff France

[almosthaddabite]

Grew up on a fishing resort. Might sound good but I spent a lot of time catering to customers. I did do guiding at a young age (8) rowing a flat bottom wooden boat hunting monster large mouth. I could pitch a grey mouse, the size of a small dog, with the best of them. Also while doing my chores I always hade a cane pole w/sucker minnow sticking in the sand. When the pole was gone I'd jump in the boat and hunt it down. Wow, that was great!

[Xplorer]

"I learned very quickly to not just look were I step, but where I sit."
Amen to that:) Your post reminded me of all the good times I had running around that country. Timber coulee, bohemian valley (cashton on a saturday night), etc. I used to hate those access spots to the creeks where you would go over a spot in the fence. Many times when I would go after the browns at night I tripped trying to get me and my stuff over them, what I wouldnt have done for a nice headlamp like we have nowadays. And I didnt always manage to avoid all the cowpies in the fields surrounding those creeks, LOL. I gotta ask you, is the dairy still in business up in Newburgs Corner? I used to stop there and get fresh cheese curds every time I hit the coulee's to hunt or fish.
Thanks again for bringing back some great memories.
Xplorer/

[Chuckles]

Got started early - likely 4 or 5 if I know dad. What I do remember was when I turned nine we moved to the country and I had the Maquoketa River flowing 50 yards out the back door. I caught my first smallmouth that year. Spents hours and days on the river all summer long. We didn't have any wallys in this stretch of river at that time. But I fondly remember fishing with an old nylon spinning reel I inherited from grandpa, mounted on a bamboo fly rod dad had brought back from the orient. I used beetle-spins to catch almost anything - crappies, bluegills, smallmouth, largemouth, green sunfish - and would come home with them in the pockets of my hooded sweatshirts and mom would scold but dad would grin. The same year we made a very memerable trip to Lake Winnibigosh where I caught my first wally and lost my first musky (had it on for a bit - but leaders on lindy rigs aren't the best for novices to land such fish.) When I graduated high school I came back a couple years during the summers and fished smallies alot - plus northerns and wallys - new additions to the Maquoketa. I also discovered a deep rooted love for the Mississippi. Well - after an 18 year abscence I returned to the area 2 years ago and my love afair with both the Maquoketa and the 'sippi has returned. You can go home again. You have to be from a small town to really understand. Chuckles