Doesn't the coolness of the air in the morning refresh you? There are many things about summer that I love...mainly the beach with the family. But, there is something about the fall with football, Halloween, cooler weather, and fishing that just does it for me.
As a young boy...going all the way back to 5-6 years old...I have so many fond memories of spending them with my dad on the beaches in North Carolina surf fishing. It didn't matter to him that I couldn't cast my own line or tie my own tackle. I think what mattered to him the most was that we were together and he was teaching me his passion and love...not only for saltwater fishing, but also for the sea. When we would get a bite, he would hook the fish and make sure it was on. He would then hand me the rod and tell me to put it on my shoulder and just start walking towards the dunes. I never reeled....I just walked. By the time I got to the highest point on the beach, the fish was usually flopping around in the surf.
As I got older and could handle myself with a rod and reel, I can remember many Fridays when he would get me out of school early and we would head to the beach for a weekend of fishing. The bottom line was..if it was the fall and the fish were running...daddy and I were there.
Daddy just passed away in January and I was just thinking today I should call him and ask him how the fishing was.....then reality set in. It has been a number of years since I have walked with him over the dunes and to the surf..carrying all our rods, tackle boxes, coolers, and rod holders. The memories are as fresh today as they have ever been. I miss my dad a lot. Tears now streak my face as I wish I could just talk to him one more time.
Fish on Pops! I love you.
