Lock #4

As a fun way to relax I can’t think of a better way than bank fishing. Bank fishing is the essence of peace and tranquility and you don’t need much to get started.

No, we are not tournament fishing here. We don’t need, or want for that matter, bass boats and gear that cost more than most starter houses, and we’re not talking the starter homes that need a little of everything either.

A bucket to sit on, and carry the catch home in. A pole, some night crawlers or a few minnows (known as minnies to those in the know) and a little bit of tackle. No 10 pound tackle boxes need here, just a few extra hooks, sinkers and bobbers. Just enough tackle to fill a small tray that easily nestles in the bottom of the bucket for the trip to the bank of the river.

This fishing is the simple life incarnate. Some sun in the morning to warm the bones and drive off the damp chill. Some shade midday to keep from frying us a deep crimson, the shade of red that would make a fire truck proud. Maybe a little open water wouldn’t hurt either, with just a snag or two to jig for crappies or blue gills.

This is the kind of fishing a couple of seasoned citizens would enjoy on a weekday. Days far from the weekend crowd that lines the banks with squalling kids and boom boxes at full tilt drowning out the quite that is the first love of a bank fisherman. Luck might find you listening in on a friendly but heated discussion about the best fishing spots. Friendly discussion might be a bit of a stretch but they are buddies and have a history, so it’s all good!

Off the bank or off the bridge, fishin’ don’t get no better’n this, no way, no how!