The winter blues are
getting me down so I must reminisce about days gone
by. My first thoughts go right to the Big water of
Lake Michigan and April when the seasons changes are
taking place. The warming temperatures are soothing my
soul. The thought of the boats maiden voyage and
the words fish on are bringing life back into these
blue days of winter. I can picture pulling the lines
from the boat and backing out of the slip as the
anticipations are getting thicker and thicker. My
first exposure of the year to the scents and rhythmic
waves of our Great Lakes. As we go under the overpass
and can see that even the Railroad Trestle is open,
now I know this is a dream. No waiting today. As the
pier comes into view I can see people fishing with
the same anticipations I'm having. The smell enters my
senses like pulling into the driveway and the
wife has after a long day a field who just
happens to be grilling steaks on the barby. It's
almost intoxicating. The winds are calm and the sun is
heating up my face as I turn to look at one of the
pier fisherman with a nice battle going. As the
Throttle goes forward and the Bow of the boat gently
raises from the water I feel the power at my hands and
drop the hammer. As I make a portside turn and bring
the boat parallel to shore the Sea gulls are diving
into my prop wash so I bring the throttle back and
bring it down to trolling speed. As I start setting
the flatlines with Rapalas and Thin fins, before I can
even get the first rod in the holder the words fish-on
ring loud and clear from one of the other crew. A
beautiful spring Coho will soon be at hand. The smell
of salmon on my hands and in the boat, again bring a
soothing feelings to my soul. Spring will be here
soon and I needed these thoughts.
