Making the Fishing Connection
By Jackie Vogen - November 1, 2006It all makes sense to me now that I'm fishing, and I can appreciate all the different lures, rigs and rods on the market today. It's amazing how things have changed over the years. Fishing has become a big dollar industry. Presentation and technique are critical and technology is the driving force behind the fishing industry. When we shop at the fishing shows and fishing stores, instead of buying one rod or lure, it's now necessary that we buy two of each item. Yes, this is a requirement - he needs his own rod and lures and I need my own. One of my husband's greatest fears in life was that when he dies, I would find out how much money he had tied up in fishing equipment. Now, our greatest fear is the day our children discover how much money we've spent on fishing equipment.
Another requirement was the new Crestliner boat, which definitely is a necessity; however, I'm still trying to make sense of the new boat. We used to fish from shore and would cast out into the lake and now we sit in the boat and cast towards shore. The reason I believe our Crestliner is a requirement is because we have spent several hours in our boat fishing and relaxing and these simple pleasures are amongst the highest. I could never trade these moments, drifting in a boat with our family and friends, the laughter echoing across the lake, capturing the beauty that surrounds us, the excitement of catching a fish, while watching the sun setting in the distance. Yes, I do have to admit, we've made the fishing connection.
So after 31 years of marriage, Kenny and I are finally on the same page and speak the same language. Our priorities in life have changed and life's simplest pleasures matter the most to us. As I reflect on 2006, fishing with Kenny and my friends, each experience has not only been a stepping stone to my success, but it's been a wonderful experience that I'll always treasure. I'm looking forward to fishing in 2007 and I'm ready to face the fishing challenges and opportunities that I will be confronted with. And since I didn't catch my trophy fish this year, that means Kenny and I will have to spend more time out on the lake next year. I'm sure I won't have to convince him and he'll understand where I'm coming from, because we've made the connection, the fishing connection!
I love what I'm learning and I'm learning what I love to do. I LOVE TO FISH!