At the risk of sounding repetitive, I can't express how fortunate I feel to live in an aquatic-rich community.  Our home has a gorgeous view of Watts Bar Lake; Our church is within walking distance of Fort Loudon Lake; The lakes close to my parent's home are very clean for fishing and other associated sports.  The marinas are plentiful and well equipped to handle most vessel types and sizes.  No, we're not on the Atlantic but we can easily get there via air, road, and yes, boat.  
Because of our affinity for the water, when asked where I would like to eat (special occasions) it's very rare for me to not pick a marina or restaurant on the water and this was no exception during the Memorial Day weekend.  Just a 30 minute or so drive from our house is a marina that for years was "the place" on Watts Bar.  Unfortunately, for some reason, the finances went awry and the once majestic and beautiful Euchee's Marina almost fell into ruin.  However, now under new ownership, the marina is back open from my perspective, really kicking.  
We recently visited their new restaurant which had a great meal choice and a view that was 2nd to none.  I sat for at least an hour just staring at the lake and mountains.  After dinner, we unloaded the bikes and rode around the campground and shoreline and then made our way to the snack shop/fuel dock to enjoy some ice-cream and cold water while a local band set up for the evening.  
I do love to travel and visit new areas of the world but I would be remiss if I lived my life without enjoying and being thankful for what we have here at home.

So here's my disclaimer: I don't spin fish tales.  The truth is much more fun and stranger!  

I endeavor to fish 3-4 times per week.  The great majority is from a bridge cat-walk, a boat slip or the embankment in front of our house.  Most of the time I don't care what I catch.....as long as I catch something.  Exception: Turtles, I hate trying to pan-fish when the turtles are around! Another interest for me is finding and capturing live bait to fish with.  I have plenty of artificial lures but being able to cast-net a school of shad and then use the same to catch something else just reinforces my belief that our Heavenly Father truly does provide a complete ecosystem for us to survive in.  

On this particular Wednesday evening, I walked to the boat launch and since most others were still at work, I was able to set up for a couple of hours of fun and maybe even dinner.  As is my protocol, I walked the pier and the shoreline looking for shad and eventually snagged a couple to get started on my dual-hook rig.  I aptly placed two bait fish on the rig cast out about 20 yards and allowed the line to drop to probably 20 feet.  After standing there for 5 minutes or so, I decided to secure my rod and reel to the horn cleat so I could capture some more bait fish.  I walked toward the shore and threw the net and as I was retrieving I noticed my rod was shuttering.  I quickly ran to the reel, untied the line and just as I picked it up, the last of my line (clutch engaged) spun off.  

Of course in the digital, narcissistic, social medial, driven age we now live, I immediately took a picture and "shared".  From my perspective something as fun as this is too good to keep to myself and it also helps me remember even a simple trip to catch a fish or two can turn into a brisk walk back home to refill my reel with stronger and more line!