One Man’s Passion
He sits by himself on a regular basis at the Congamond Lakes boat launch. He rarely pursues conversations, but is always ready and willing to partake in one.
He practices his passion daily in the Spring, Summer and Fall. It is like a second shift job and he is loyal and dependable to his vocation. His vehicle is his office and inside is all the equipment and supplies necessary to complete his tasks.
His main piece of equipment is about 6 feet long with a mechanical gear box attached to activate the tool. Some thin line and 3/8 oz. of metal complete the necessary items.
He begins his “workday” with a hot cup of coffee as he plans his strategy. He surveys the liquid vista before him for rises and notices any unusual breaks on the surface. He sips his coffee and practices patience. He is in tune with weather patterns and pressure systems. After he is satisfied he will leave his office and stretch his stiff muscles and joints. Age has touched some body parts, but not the ability to hone his art. Being able to stand for long periods of time is no longer an option, but a folding camp chair serves the purpose.
He used to enjoy his passion in the winter months, but age has a way of deterring desires. The second shift was not always his time slot. He has pursued his passion through all the shifts.
Sixty plus years is a remarkable addition to any resume. He has labored in this vocation in early mornings hours, early to late afternoon hours and evening hours. He traveled all over The United States and other countries enjoying his craft and had experiences only he could re-tell. He received huge bonuses in size at times and small ones at other times, but his greatest satisfaction is his time spent performing. There are slow times but they are far better than no times.
He will discuss any topic at any time when he is working and will never lose his concentration or focus.
At times the 6 foot instrument with the mechanical gear box will be used differently. A barb and a floating egg will replace the 3/8 oz. piece of metal. The thin line is still instrumental in achieving perfect performance, but leaning the apparatus against a solid object will accomplish the same results. At this stage he is able to sit in his office and perform his duty. Eye sight is critical for success and he has never yet failed to complete the task. In the comfort and warmth in his office he can work and shield himself from the elements.
He has the patience to sit for hours and wait for his bonus, knowing that action can happen in a split second and payout is at that time. He is never bored. He can perform his job with people around him or by himself. He has reached this serenity from many ups and downs in life, but has progressed and seems comfortable with his own life.
His routine is his day and his shift starts at 3:00 PM. He works from 3:00 to dark most days. On days he chooses not to work, he still goes to the workplace. I call this dedication. He will watch others try his trade and be content observing. He knows how to make people feel good and is an attentive listener. While working he is in a good mood and relaxed. He likes old and new stories. He will converse on present day situations, but he is at his best when discussing his craft. A bump, a hit, a rise are words he may use. A Kastmaster, a rooster tail, a Phoebe, a Rough Rider, or a motor oil colored worm are other forms of his communication. He knows inches and he knows pounds. He knows sunrises and sunsets with optimum times to collect the bonus. If he gets one payout per day he feels satisfied. He is a special addition to his passion and is very humble concerning his successes.
He is very familiar to waterways, both moving and still. He knows depths and their importance to his trade. He is familiar with weights and swivels. Some say he is lucky, but I know instinct and experience bring luck to another level.
He is from a generation where his passion was part of growing up. He grew up outside exploring instead of internet exploring. His television was landscapes and nature. He prepared for weather changes not hid from them. He had the tools of his trade when he was a child. He grew up fast when he was a kid in a war. Through his whole life he never lost interest in his hobbies. He is law abiding and seem s like he always was. He is what I would call a true American, but one label would not justify him, so I will just call him a fisherman.
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