This is something we haven’t done in a long long time – fishing a farm pond. I come from a family of fishhermen. And I remember many a summer afternoon growing up and going fishing with family. We have pictures of fish caught by my Grandpa Bond by noodling – big old river cats caught by wading into the river and sticking his hand in the catfish’s mouth and pulling it out. Dad always talks about that one that Grandpa could always get ahold of but could never pull up because it was so big – it would pull him down instead.
And then there’s my mom’s side of the family – the Houseals. Oh how they love to fish. And we reap the benefits with the annual Houseal Family Fish Fry. My mom’s brothers fish all season so they have an abundance of fish to feed us all. And Grandpa Houseal was a great fisherman. He took his fishing so seriously. When we were little I remember having to sit still and quiet. We were’t allowed to make any noise for fear we would scare the fish away. Those fish could sense us up on the bank and wouldn’t come near if we made a peep!
Even though I have fishing in my blood – I truly don’t enjoy fishing. My mom gets so frustrated with me. Because if I would just try it, I would love it! She takes after her dad – fishing is serious business! She forgets all those summer fishing afternoons we had growing up where I wasn’t given a choice – I had to fish. And don’t get me wrong – I love to be there, sitting on the bank of a pond or lake, with a book in my hand, relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. I enjoy watching others bring in a fish, how excited they get when they feel the tug on their line and how determined they are to bring it in. And the little ones – they are always so proud to show off their catch. But I just don’t enjoy doing it myself. I’m content to be the support team! I can put a worm on the hook with the best of the them – if I have to!
We spent Saturday afternoon at Uncle Jerry’s helping write out thank yous for Aunt Konnie. And after we were done, the kids wanted to go fishing. So we all jumped into the back of Uncle Jerry’s truck or onto the 4-wheeler and off we went. It was a beautiful day although very hot but the kids didn’t care. This was a pond where you threw your line in and pulled out a fish – no waiting involved – perfect for little boys with no patience! They caught little Bluegills that got thrown right back into the water. After fishing we went back to the house and Uncle Jerry grilled us ham steaks and we enjoyed each other’s company over supper. It was a good day.
