Thank you for starting this thread
Both sides of the family are saltwater fisherman. I grew up in Swansea; my front yard was the cole’s river. If I wasn't fishing I was digging for clams/quahogs. Every morning before school/work my dad was up first and if he saw fish, we would be on the beach in very short time. Some days he would scream fish up, just to get me out of bed to go swimming. We had a very small herring run that was within a hundred yards of the house. Only people in the neighborhood had easy access to it. I have not heard of any herring being spotted there in over 20 years.
When I went away to college, it was a real shock not to see the water every morning or fish on a daily basis. My freshman year was my 1st freshwater fishing experience.
I really miss living on the water; my parents still live in that house. Sitting on the porch w/ a cocktail on a sunny afternoon brings me back to that carefree time.
My dad caught a 64lb bass in 1966. That fish has been on my parent’s wall since. There is a picture of me @ 9 months next to Dad holding the fish by the gills. I still look at that fish in awe, beats my best by 22 lbs. So, I guess it was my father who got me hooked.
Writing this post leaves me feeling a little sad. I miss the old days, fishing w/ both grandfathers as well as dad and other family members. Dad is more into sailing now, he still casually fishes in front of the house or when out on the sailboat. Grandfathers are both gone, Papa fished into his 80’s.
Thank you for starting this thread. It made me realize how much simple fun can be had while fishing with family. I guarantee that I will get my father out on my boat more often because of the memories this post brought back.
I guess I can't remember not fishing.
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