Yellow-bellied Perch

Yellow-bellied perch was the catch of the night. Nathan, after touching the fish for the first time, then watching it flip-flop on the ground, had nothing further to do with it. When your three, squirming fish are a big deal. I can just imagine if he's afraid of the bugs, what an experience it is just to see a live fish.

Today, he was so excited that daddy was taking him fishing that he was exceptionally well behaved. He knew if he took a nap, he was going fishing. All he has been talking about is his new McQueen fishing pole. Daddy had been working on his yard equipment and was so tired, yet had to pick-up worms at Wal-mart and then load up the car with all the gear.

Grampy and I arrived at Westville to see them both fishing off the platform in a sunny, windy spot. Nate was so excited he could hardly contain himself. Daddy constantly had to replace worms. The water was extremely turbulent and the fish were not biting at first. Angie was there taking pictures of her fishermen. What a thrill for us. All of a sudden, the first bite, and Bill reeled it in on Nathan's pole. At first we thought it was a kiver. No, it turned out to be a yellow-bellied perch. It was so small, yet served the purpose. Nathan experienced fishing and nothing could be more grand at that moment.

The other item of interest was of course, the wormies. The water began to lull now and the birds started to come by, looking at first like bats. These little birds fly fast and are annoying. Usually they are found around the water. Along came the second catch, and again it was a small perch. This time on Bill's line.

At this point, we bugged out, pardon the pun, as we knew from previous experience that they were coming out next. It was starting to get cooler, about 62 degrees. Near the water it felt colder, or perhaps it was the lack of proper shoes?

It was the strangest feeling in the world to watch, my two boys, my son Bill and his son Nate, my grandson, fishing in the same spot, that I took Bill to many years ago. I remember clearly having to leave because the May flies overwhelmed us. Tonight there were none.

I don't know who had more fun, John, Bill, Angie and Nate or Me. I was taking photo's too, the ones you never have to process and pictures that remain on your mind in which you recall automatically and continually because you just can't help yourself. That's what dreams are made from.