Cheezits and a Book

By: Ann Brasher

I have been fishing for thirty years with my husband, Barry. I had never stepped in a boat in my life and was very apprehensive at first. It did take me several years before I was completely comfortable and sure the boat was not going to sink. The truth is, I only went for the sun. Fishing was a great way to improve your tan. I'd take my box of cheezits and a book, plop down in the floor and get on with my munching and reading. I'd read until Barry found the fish and then fishing took on a whole new meaning.

Those cheezits were forgotten when a rod was thrust in my hands. "Don't put that rod down, it'll be gone and you're goin' swimming."

Well, he wasn't lying. I had to hang on for dear life when that rod tip started bending double. I landed my first 10 pound striper. I really thought I had done something and actually had a knack for fishing. We were sitting back in Chocolocca Creek on Logan Martin Lake in about three feet of water. This really didn't look too fishy to me, but this is where Barry said we needed to be. I had never fished with live bait before and those poor little shad looked like the kind of fish you were supposed to be catching - not fishing with. He suggested I put a cork on but that was just sissy fishing to me. I wanted to be able to feel and yank on my own. I missed many fish thanks to my stubbornness but finally conceded to the cork. It was an ugly ol' brown cork but my husband said it looked like a leaf floating in the water and would trick the fish. I have caught many, many stripers using this method and, yes Barry, you were right! (He's reading what I'm writing and made me put that!)

So, put those cheezits down, pick up that rod, go home with a bruise on your stomach the size of a baseball; cause that's the only way you could hang on without having to go swimming for a hundred dollar rod and reel. I learn stuff every time Barry takes me fishing and I've just about given up my eating and reading habit. Now we work as a team. He launches the boat, catches the bait, does his thing with the salt and shad tank, puts me on the fish and I pull 'em in. Teamwork is the only way to go. We enjoy our time together and will continue to be lifetime fishing partners. Go fishing with you husband. It will either make your relationship stronger or you patience shorter. You pick! Regardless of which way it goes, some of the best times of your life will happen on the water. Let's go fishin'.

Ann and Barry Brasher love to fish together on Logan Martin and other Alabama lakes. Barry is also co-owner of BamaBassFishing.com, devoted to bass fishing in Alabama.

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