I’ve always enjoyed fishing. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to fish. I knew it when I was 6 yrs. old, standing on a rock, in the pouring rain, pulling in a big (or so I thought) catfish, with my older brother helping me out. Everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve tried to fish. From bluegills & bullhead catfish in Kansas, to snook, redfish, flounder & largemouth bass in Florida. Trout in Colorado and New Mexico. Almost forgot fishing for goldfish at my Grandparents Kansas farm, in the horse trough. Using a safety pin & a piece of bacon.
But I have come to the realization that I have become addicted to striper fishing. Since I caught my first one in the Lower Saluda River 10 yrs. ago. Fishing in Lake Murray had always intimidated me, in fact sometimes it still does. But I still go out every Sunday to try & catch a striper or two. I think I learn something every time out.
I’m almost embarrassed to say this, but I would rather striper fish than ride my Harley. And that used to be my favorite pastime.
I guess my point is, I’ve never been so consumed by a fish.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Bob, I have absolutely loved fishing all my life. Some of my most distant memories are of fishing with my dad and how much fun it was. I would ride my bike, alone, miles just to fish a pond when I was 5 years old, with bread to catch bream (wouldn’t dare allow my children or my grand children to do that now). I still have the first rod & reel that I ever fished with. People that really know me and have known me for a long time will tell you that if there is anything I’ll do, it is fish. I can’t imagine NOT fishing. When I talk to my dad, the first thing he always asks is “how are the fish biting?” or “have you been fishing lately?”. I was addicted to bass fishing for a long time and, to some extent, I still am. Just can’t seem to get those green fish out of my system and probably never will.
All that being said, I have really “taken a shine” to these rockfish and as I learn more, this addiction grows. I’ve only been seriously chasing them for about 3 years and I’ve got a lot to learn.
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
I think one thing all fisherman have in common is the addiction to that pull.
I have fished all over the world but my fondest memories of fishing are trolling with my Papa in his aluminum boat on union falls in upstate NY in the Adirondacks. We would catch walleyes and it was beautiful.
He had a camp on an island and I would catch sunfish and rock bass from shore. This is where he gave me my first knife and taught me how to use it. My Nana taught me how to fillet perch and man I made a mess of that at first.
The camp on the island and both my Nana and Papa are gone. I can only hope that some day I can do the same for someone, the lessons I learned and the addiction I caught back then is still so strong today.
I am camping all next week on dreher island and my goal is to land my first striper.
To be honest I am just looking forward to spending time with my kids and catching a few fish and teaching them how to use a knife.
If I hook any walleye while trolling a black and silver rapala I will post a picture.
Thank’s for this post