Just us, soaking up all the goodness and freedom of being away from it all – together.
Courtesy of Sarah Shrader
Last weekend, Lee and I set out on Indian Lake to try and compete in the annual catfish tournament. This was our second year in a row entering the tournament and, while we didn’t catch any fish near the size to compete last year, we did catch several which gave us a taste of the fun in fishing for catfish.
This year, however, Lee was bound and determined that we could catch even bigger fish. All year, he watched different videos on what to do, analyzed fishing poles, depths, bait – everything. This year was going to be our year to actually compete!
Diligently, he worked to set us up for the trip. Last year, we picked up a used canoe that had been stored away since. He pulled it out and cleaned it off remembering some of the obstacles we faced with it in the past. First off, we needed a better battery life – being stranded with only oars is not our idea of fun. We needed to be able to get up and move from spot to spot.
Someone, with his brilliant mind and excellent use of YouTube, was able to rig up not one but three batteries! This canoe could go straight for 20 hours if needed!
Along with the batteries, he made sure to specially duct tape in some portable stadium cushion seats so we could have some comfort for the adventure. Each of us got three rod holders attached to the boat and even a drink holder.
While I have swam in that lake many times, the idea of falling out in the middle terrified me. Again, seeking knowledge videos online, he found a way with PVC pipe to form outriggers that helped stabilize the boat. This was last year’s add – but we learned they were too far into the water and caused too much drag. This year, he trimmed them down to sit just above the water. The peace those outriggers gave me was immeasurable.
Next came the bait – using another tactic he learned, he again put together the most awful concoction I have ever smelled! Not only that, but new this year – because the bait would fall off of our hooks, he made little pantyhose balls.
And let’s not forget that he had to set up 6 fishing poles for catfishing – which is a whole other configuration that he has mastered. Tackle boxes preloaded in case of big fish breaking lines or trees jumping out in front of our casting (ha), he was beyond prepared.
After getting everything set up and together, loading up the bait cooler and the drink cooler – with lots of snacks as well, we were on our way. I am not kidding, guys, all I had to do was show up and get in the truck. He did it all! I didn’t even have to touch any of the stinky bait – he put it on every single time I needed more.
This is his passion – his thing! He loves this stuff! And I am not going to lie, reeling one of those bad boys in is completely thrilling! I love joining him – I just am not sure I would go through all the work to get prepared for it.
But he doesn’t mind putting it all together – as long as he gets to go out there and catch some big ones! Except, this year, we didn’t really catch many – much less big ones.
The first night, it rained – which we were not afraid of! After all, the fish bite more after the rain. We caught ONE catfish all night long – however we did get many bug bites. Ha.
On the second day, with bug spray, sweatpants, full batteries, smellier bait, and a longing for some catches, we set out again. Fourteen hours straight we spent in that canoe on the lake – we caught three fish. And like, they were mediocre fish! To us, still large, but nowhere near competing.
You guys, that’s an average of one fish every 4-5 hours. And we should have been bummed – don’t get me wrong, there were some let-down feelings. But we didn’t let them ruin our time.
For 14 hours we got to sit out in the middle of God’s handiwork and enjoy the beautiful scenery around us. For 14 hours we weren’t constantly needed by kids or work or chores or anything. We jammed out to all kinds of genres of music and spent some hours just chatting and connecting.
It was calm and peaceful most of the time – there were even moments when we felt like we were the only ones in the world out on the lake. Just us, soaking up all the goodness and freedom of being away from it all – together.
This catfishing catching didn’t go as planned or hoped for this year – we didn’t place in the finals or even turn in a fish to be weighed. But we didn’t lose either. Hours and hours together uninterrupted – communicating, laughing and completely enjoying each other’s company was definitely a win in our book.
And you better believe, he will do his research, get us ready and we will be back next year – and fish or no fish we will enjoy our time spending it with our best catch ever – each other.
Sarah (Pitson) Shrader was born and raised in Lima. She is a Lima Central Catholic and Tiffin University graduate. Sarah is a full-time working mama who enjoys writing about her somewhat crazy, always adventurous life as a mom and bonus mom. She lives in Bath Township with her husband, Lee Parsons, and their seven kids.
