Fishing is a vital part of our national fabric. From the natives putting fish under corn plants for fertilizer to the Eskimo people harvesting whales (they still do) for survival – fishing is everything from big business to the ultimate form of relaxation. I am stunned at the bounty of the oceans and lakes in this world that sustain life in so many ways with fish and fish products.
In our little corner of the world, spring makes fishing sprout. Farm ponds produce lots of joy in the form of catfish, bluegill, crappie, bullhead, and bass. Grandparents and grandkids enjoy the ritual of catching first fish and getting a picture and eating the first filet. Lots of billfolds and purses are cluttered with invaluable memories of those first catches. This is America and other countries around the world starting the process. It gets complicated from there.
Can you remember when fishing changed character in your life? We figured out worms and minnows and hooks and had success. We were sure that we could feed a lot of people and put fish in the freezer. We figured out trotlines and limb lines and were strong and brave enough to go at it on our own or with our buddies. Numbers and size became topics of serious debate and comparison for bragging rights. Look at the Kansas fishing site on Facebook. I am absolutely stunned at the numbers and size of fish people are catching in Kansas. Remember when a pole, a fire, and a beer with a friend or two converted a sand bar on the Smokey or Saline into a magic kingdom? Those were some of the best times ever!
I can remember my first Cabelas catalog. I had one of their first identification numbers and I learned where Sidney, Nebraska was. The guys that started the Bass Pro circuit were geniuses. They forced us into an adult world where we didn’t have a chance. Rods, lures, tackle boxes and boats with huge motors and electronics became the standard for catching fish and comparing our stuff to the other guys’ stuff. The price of a pound of fish went off the chart. It became weirdly standard to catch and release fish after spending all that money to catch them. Sometimes I almost wish I hadn’t taken that bait.
The science of fishing plus the diligent application of that science makes for a genius display of success. Gene Bitter, Lloyd Jaynes, Ray Deutsch, Herman Skolaut, and Ed Breit were in that caliber in their time. They could catch fish out of a teacup and feed a crowd. There are some other guys that I would love to fish with and observe, but it just hasn’t worked out. I waded the Smokey and Saline with Orville Bowers back in the day. When it comes to fishing success, the Prosser family comes to mind. They know fish and have lots of amazing fish fries. They are tough enough to work all night and fish all day and then repeat. I have enjoyed their success a LOT. Tanner Swank and Tanner Cassity are intensely meticulous about their amazingly successful fishing processes. I miss Bob ... Roland Stewart is a legend that I haven’t spent nearly enough time with. He knows stripers ... Kenny Steinert and his kids catch a lot of fish.
I like fishing for our fish in our area and getting to see friends in other boats or on the shore giving it a go. It is a vital part of our heritage and history. I was thrilled when my niece and nephew came from San Francisco and I took them to Veterans and caught a couple of crappie – they are now hooked on fishing. That’s what fishing does – it makes you step out of your daily routine and focus intensely on having fun – even when it hurts. The nights are some of the best and worst- of my fishing escapades. I know all of you have stories to tell – and if you don’t – go fishing and make your own stories. Fishing is just necessary in Kansas!
Doc
Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.
