Guiding

February 10, 2024

     People think guiding is all about bait, tackle, the best spots and so on.  It is, but a good business requires people sense, reading between the lines, so to speak.  Most folks are happy just being in a boat far from the job, the phone, and sometimes even their kids. They like to head out about 10AM and be back by 2 or 3PM at the latest.  A fish is a bonus.  Burgers and beer await them on shore.

     Other people, also happy to leave the job, phone and children behind, would fish around the clock if it were possible.  They go through a pile of bait, minnows, worms, cute green frogs and lovely leeches.  What Walleye or monster Bass can pass up a big, fat leech?  It keeps a person hopping to have enough of these tasty motivators on hand!

     Sally and Raj sent me a letter recently about their plans for next summer.  They both love to fish, and over the years, have covered Lonesome from inlet to outlet, from Bassy shallows to deep holes where the Lakers hang out.  Originally from the Islands, they moved to Ontario decades ago.  They considered moving to the Kenora district, with it’s sensible winters and dog sledding opportunities, but decided on southern Ontario.  More jobs and lots of universities.

 
    You see, Sally and Raj are hoping that someday one of the family will pursue a higher education.  Now, I’m not one to knock education.  We need a few scientists and engineers around.  What I’m not in favor of is all those years cooped up in smelly laboratories doing scientific experiments or building model bridges from toothpicks.  Not enough fresh air!  Small wonder bridges collapse, and we’re still trying to get comfortable accommodations on Mars.  

     Better go, that letter (see below) needs a reply before the reminder letter arrives. Can’t help wondering what MREs are and what they have to do with lunch.

Ricky
 

Dear Ricky,

     How are you?  We are all fine. 

 

     Okay, down to business. 

 

     We will need your guiding services this summer from August 3rd to 17th.   I know we gave you these dates last fall.  Consider this a reminder.

    And bait.  Don’t forget to set your minnow traps (remember 2017!!), and pick out some worms; about five dozen should be enough.  And no frogs,  I don’t want to watch them trying to remove the hook.  Pick up some of those pre-salted, scented, plastic jobbies. The Bass go for them.  

    Please wash out the boat so it doesn’t smell, and tune up the motor.  Remember 2008?  We rowed for an hour before someone rescued us.  Seriously embarrassing.  And shore lunch, don’t worry about it, we are bringing MREs.

    See you in August.

    Stay warm, and don’t you go trying to cross river ice on that snowmobile.

Sal

PS:  Raj says, “Hello.”