I wrote awhile back about qualities I believe are possessed by all great fishermen. They include: adaptability, releasing large fish, sharing knowledge and appreciating Nature.
The father-son team of Larry (top) and Jason Pons, both from Texas, fills the bill on all counts but is especially outstanding on the third quality, sharing of knowledge.
For years they would leave at camp an album full of snapshots like the ones above and on the back of each photo would tell where each fish was caught.
If you asked, they would tell you how they caught it, at what time of day, and anything else you wanted to know.
I've seen them invite other Bow Narrows' anglers to follow them and do just about anything to help them out.
Aren't they worried this will mean fewer fish for themselves? It wouldn't seem so. I think they are so good at catching walleye that they are always totally confident of getting them, under just about any circumstance.
They're not the only Bow Narrows group of anglers like this. There are many others. But they are certainly the best at helping other people get the knack.
Excellent walleye fishermen have what seems an almost supernatural feel for their craft, and I think that is literally what it is, a "feel." It's as if their fishing line and rods were extensions of their nerves.
Walleyes don't always whack a bait, many times they "mouth" it, or oh, so gently suck in the worm or leech. The feeling 50 feet up the line is just about lost, probably a vague sensation that the line is just a wee bit heavier. Set the hook and you're onto a walleye. Hesitate a second and there is nothing there.
And then there are times when setting the hook too early is the wrong thing to do. You must wait a second or two before the bait is in the walleye's mouth. But by three seconds, they are gone. There are infinite variations.
It's the kind of thing that comes with experience but even then also requires intuition.
I think true experts at walleye fishing aren't totally in the boat; their minds are down on the bottom of the lake. It's a Zen kind of thing.
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3 comments:
I have known these two characters for years. Larry refined his skills on Parker Lake. Jason was always the fast learner and now competition for Dad. Hope to see you both on the water again. Watch out for the undercover DNR officer!!!
Tony B.
Oh Great, the 18 footer may not be big enough for me, Larry, Jason, and their newly inflated egos.
Wait a minute, I've known these two characters for over 40 years! Great catch, um, Dad...and you too, little brother (with a big fish).
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