The Quest of Openers

[Scenic]

The Quest of Openers

It starts weeks before. You look at the calendar, you smile. A little closer every day, you smile again, its coming. Then the last week arrives, now we are close. A whole new set of brains and means of thinking begins to takes over. Some people think you have lost it while others just know. Tis the week before openers....

Opener is always on a Saturday. You quit counting on Monday, you are now counting hours instead of days, closer, closer, and closer. Then before you know it you are already on Friday. Now most people who know you just know that you have lost your mind. But again anybody that really knows you just excepts that. They just say, "it is the opening of fishing weekend."

Saturday finally arrives. You have been tossing and turning all night. You spend numerous hours making sure that everything is just right. Everything is loaded into the boat. You know that you are going to forget something, happens all the time. You just hope that it is not your fishing rods or that new secret lure. The heart starts beating faster.........

The boat is hooked to the truck. No stopping you now. Get out of the way or you may just get run over. You always have to stop at your favorite bait store. The place is filled with impatient crazy people, all with the same mentality as you, well maybe not quite as bad. The poor clerks just can't move fast enough for you today. "Come on lets go." Finally it your turn - got the bait and just a few more little items, "wow $50.00" lets get out of here.

You head for that special boat landing at break neck speeds. Even the Police Officers over look that, it is opening weekend. They understand and some will be there as soon as their shift ends.

When you arrive at that special landing you see some "Clown" who you swear has never backed up a trailer or unloaded a boat before. You fight the urge to drag him out of his vehicle and back it in for him just to get him out of your way. Some how he manages and it is finally your turn.

Your fishing buddy of choice for this special weekend backs you into the water. You grab the key and fire that motor up. It immediately starts with a jump and you whisper to yourself, "Yes there is a God and he is good." The boat is then backed off the trailer. The motor remains running, you again wait. This time you are waiting for your buddy who needed to park the vehicle. Even they can not move fast enough for you today. You begin to wonder if they went back to town for breakfast or what. Things are beginning to get intense now, just the beginning. Yes, here he comes now.

Life jackets are put on. At least you have not lost all your common sense. You head for that "secret fishing hole". When you arrive at that "secret" fishing hole you find about a dozen or more boats who's owners also thought that it was their secret fishing hole also. You shut the motor down and boat settles into the water and comes to a stop. You are finally here.

You and your partner look at each other with that knowing smile. We are here......... The lake is calm now but you know that it won't last long. You hear that Sassy fish out there, "naw naw naw n naw naw" "bet you can't find me", "bet you can't catch me" You smile and say, "lets rock."

Heart is beating faster now. Sun is shining, birds are singing, you are on the water, life is good... You grab your favorite custom built rod that has previously been rigged. You cast that new special weapon of choice and it hits the water. The quest is on. Everything else is forgotten.

Then it happens!!! You feel the slight tap on your rod, heart surges, you set the hook. She's there!! Yes! About 50 feet from the boat you see the swirl caused by the trophy. Your mind, your body, you entire being are concentrated on just one thing now. That is to win the battle that has begun. You know that at any time it could come to an end with a snapped line or a slipped hook. But even if it does, you won't be denied the sheer enjoyment of doing battle. Sheer enjoyment, that is what fishing is all about.

From all of us at Scenic Tackle we would like to wish everyone a safe opener in 2006 and good fishing this weekend. Remember if you don't catch the "Sassy" fish this weekend, there are many more days to come. Take the time to teach someone the art and to share this passion.

Jeff Beckwith

Scenic Tackle

[bigb56303]

very good story makes me wish it was sat already. good luck to all and be safe out there

[delmuts]

gees jeff! that story will probably push some of those poor guys over the edge now!! toall!! BE SAFE!!

[Matt Johnson]

Good stuff Jeff!

Have a safe and fun opener everyone!

[eyepatrol]

Holy smokes Jeff...did you just look into my soul or what???

That there was downright funny and good! Really enjoyed reading that one!

Good luck to everyone. Be safe, have fun and cherish every minute of it.

[Scenic]

Thanks guys!!

[D_BOONE]

Great story, fishing opener is one of the greatest times of the year, even if you do not catch much it is fun to get out with your family and friends

[Dan Thiem]

Congrats Jeff! That was one heck of a nice story. Played out really nice.

[harvey lee]

Jeff.great read. Now go get her.

[Dave]

Jeff,

Nice read but, I was waiting for the part where ya feel the water seeping into your tennis shoes and, the look you give your partner for not putting in the drain plug!

Thanks for the story. Good Luck!