I posted this story in the "Tall Tales" thread last week...but I will post it again!
One of the spots I fish infrequently is a spot that I knew Steve fished quite a bit....in fact I had fished it with him once before! Well one night a few weeks ago I go there fully expecting to bump into Steve! So I get there, and I slide into the water, and I see this big silhouette......he was one of the few people bigger than me that I would see out.....so I knew it was him! I got over within about 50 feet of him and I fished for awhile watching him and making sure it was in fact him.....he did not know it was me...not yet!
So it was pretty quiet and I said loud enough for him to hear....."Boy.....I did not know they stacked it that high!"........
.....Steve paused a moment, and I saw him begin to turn in my direction and he says to me....."Excuse me?".....
I busted out laughing because I think he was about to come over and address my comment so I said "Steve its me...Larry"......and we both laughed pretty good.....it was funny. We talked for awhile, fished and caught some nice fish! Steve was a truely gifted fisherman.....the guy could flat out fish....and he enjoyed it! The last time I went out was the same spot......I got there early and there was nobody else there....I pounded fish for awhile before anyone else showed up.....Steve came along......and we caught fish for awhile....and Numbscull showed up......we fished some more and Steve had to go. I saw him last at the MSBA meeting about 2 1/2 weeks ago.....he gave his usual informative and entertaining seminar. I helped him take his gear out to his truck, we shook hands and said goodbye. I had no idea that would be the last time I would see him......who thinks such a thing? I am glad I got to spend some time with Steve recently.....I will cherish the memories always, and I will think of him often I am sure as I fish. I learned more from Steve than anyone else........he will be missed.
Sidenote: I can't remember a meeting we ever had when he did not speak lovingly of his wife and his 2 daughters. Thats the kind of guy he was.....I am sure they will miss him greatly. He loved them so.