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| Is there an ocean near by?? |
Fishing is a pastime Jameson and I share with each other but in an "oil and water" sort of share. Our passion coexists within the same space, while Jameson is more of a salt water fisherman and I love fresh water. We both dream of pulling in the big lunkers, with Jameson's fish in the hundreds of pounds and mine in the tens of pounds. Please note while reading this blog - Fishing is expected to be relaxing; similar to a good spa treatment, a mind clearing walk or golfing (Jameson added golfing but is golf actually relaxing?!).
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| Happy to be canoeing on the water!! |
Even before the ink dried on our marriage certificate, Jameson had our fishing poles and tackle box packed into the truck for a quick departure! Our honeymoon destination - Catherine's Landing, Lake Catherine, Arkansas. Catherine's Landing is one of Hot Springs newest premium RV parks with a wine bar, saline pool, RV spots on the water, canoes for rent, plenty of dock.... yes, the ideal location for pulling in the lunkers.
Http://www.catherineslanding.rvcoutdoors.com/
Armed with Verizon 3G cell phone service, we were able to log into the Arkansas fish and game website to buy two fishing licenses and, within 7 minutes, Jameson and I had the state of Arkansas' approval to fish the river's limit. Incredibly easy!
Day 1 - 7:00 pm .... As the sun slowly dropped in the summer sky, the fish were screaming to be caught. Jameson and I grabbed our poles, a bucket of minnows, a can of worms, and made our way down to the Catherine's Landing dock. Once again we had high aspirations of catching the fish of the year (this appears to be a theme in our relationship - high expectations). Cast after cast from the dock resulted in great conversation and little fish biting action. The results after 3 hours - a well bonded couple and three really tiny bream.
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| Day One - 1 of 3 Monsters... all similar in size |
Day 2 - 10:00 am .... Who starts fishing at 10:00 am? No one who wants to catch a fish so I won't bore you with the details. The results after 2 hours - a newly wed couple with differing opinions of how to catch a fish but zero fish caught. Tomorrow we will try a different strategy.
Day 3 - 8:00 am .... Different strategy - rent canoes! The canoes were peaceful and relaxing... ummm.... that is if you were to ask LoLa. For Jameson, he fought with his dragging minnow bucket, an uncomfortably stiff life jacket, the beating sun, competing poles and navigating his directionless canoe. The results after 3 hours - a relaxed LoLa, an aggravated Jameson and zero fish caught. Tomorrow we will try a different strategy - hire a guide!
P.S. Perhaps I should add one small caveat my husband believes is relevant. After fishing for several hours without a single bite, I mentioned to Jameson my deep love for fishing though my success rate continues to be less than 3%. Hmmmm..... he thinks I am a jinx.
Day 4 - 7:30 am .... Chuck Emrick with "Fishing with Chuck on Lake Catherine" picked us up right on time in his bass boat. The foggy Wednesday morning and a boat full of poles were a positive sign we might catch something more than a few bream. Chuck's determined attitude helped us believe he could break my lifelong horrible fishing streak.
The day on Lake Catherine was beautiful! Slightly overcastted, the lake was clear as glass with crappie doing air flips, gar sliding along the waters surface and turtles scurrying to shore. What a perfect moment.... now, let's catch some fish!
Lines in the water, the three of us patiently waited for the first strike. Cast after cast, we looked for the first hit. An hour passes... two hours pass... no tags. No nibbles! Fishing hole after fishing hole, skunked. Jameson was beginning to get a little discouraged. Perhaps we should have gone golfing? I started to believe my own bad luck was a reality then Chuck got a hit. The pole was quickly passed to me to reel in the fighting monster. After a long 30 combative seconds, I was able to land the struggling 4 inch crappie into the boat. Not a huge catch (not even my catch) but the bad luck streak is technically over.
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| Jim's One of Two Fish - Crappie |
The first few fish were caught by the guide. Jameson was the first between the two of us to snag a fish. Thankfully, the small crappie put up a good fight. Perhaps the little fish felt sorry for our pathetic fishing skills. Perhaps the little fish knew we were on our honeymoon so he was giving his life for the great good. Perhaps this is all BS and Jameson just got lucky. Shortly after the one crappie, Jameson was able to catch one more.
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| One Bass for the day |
Eventually, my patience provided positive and I was able to pull in ONE fish. Yes ONE! A cute little bass ready to be held on display. At least mine was a game fish. Right? No crappie for me but who is counting?
Overall the day was a success, thanks to our fishing guide, Chuck. Chuck shared with us his love of fishing and his appreciation for Lake Catherine. He took us into his house and opened up a portion of his life to us for a few hours. Chuck is a good man and a guide we hope to use again!
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| Fishing Guide, Chuck |
Yes, fishing can be more frustrating than most care to admit. Perhaps the last few days were not as relaxing as a "day at the spa", nevertheless, who could ask for more than spending time out on the water, sharing an event with the one you love, and having no expectations for your day. Thankfully, Jameson and I don't compete with each other so it does not need to be stated who caught the largest fish of the day (Hint - LoLa).
Thank you for taking the time to read - - LoLa
