Gone on a Bender!
Two weeks ago I went on a Bender of sorts…a Fishing Bender!
Ask anyone that know me and they will tell you that I love to fish. It is one of my prime motivating drives. If I see a pond or a lake or almost any body of water I start wondering what kind of fish might be in there ripe for the catching.
I guess you could call me a Fish-aholic!
You see, I have been hooked on it since I was introduced to as a kid by my parents. We used to “go up north” to my grandma’s little farm, where my mom grew up, and spend the weekend. That’s where it all started. We’d go see my aunts and uncles that around there, go into town for the best ice cream in Michigan and always, ALWAYS, find our way to our favorite lake for some fishing.
Back to my Bender…
Using just a simple set up consisting of a small hook, some worm and a bobber I have been able to catch everything from small bluegills all the way up to a pound and a half large mouth bass. It has been quite the past few days.
Thursday and Friday found me on the shores of Crooked Lake in Independence Oaks park in Oakland County Michigan. Fishing from shore on the county provided docks, I was treated to fish after fish grabbing my line and running for all they were worth! The fish in this lake are VERY hungry and take every opportunity to be the first to the bait and edge out the competition. Crooked Lake is teeming with panfish which happen to be a favorite of mine. They are easy to clean and absolutely delicious
Saturday found me at the park again but this time with my soon to be wife and our friends. Everyone went down to the lake to fish and I got to cook for the hungry anglers. I made my famous burgers, cut up a watermelon and had the usual macaroni and potato salads that frequent family gatherings, because that’s what they are, Family…
Sunday found me at the park again but this time with my son. We took out our little inflatable boat and headed for the spots you can’t easily get to from the trail that circles the lake. What a beautiful day for being on the water. We rowed around until we found a nice, cozy spot in the shade with “fish’a plenty” and the ducks on the shoreline entertained us as we passed the time between bites.
The afternoon was productive with a bunch of fish in the basket and two tired, dirty but very relaxed, fishermen. We rowed to shore, iced the fish and headed home.
The catch took up most of the counter as the filleting began. I mixed up a quick batch of breading and set to cooking the little buggers. A commenter on TikTok suggested some smoked paprika, parsley, and a sprinkle of lemon juice to jazz it up. I’m going to try it on my next batch, thanks Kaydn!
So, why the long story? Well you see, adventures don’t have to be huge productions or require weeks of planning. Sometimes the best ones happen on a whim and wind up being memorable. Modern life has removed us from our roots in the wild, our place in the rhythms of Nature and we need to find our way back…
Now, get out there, catch some fish and take your evolutionary won spot in the food chain and remember where you come from!
As always, thanks for reading!
Scott…
