Hey Hall of Fame Family,
As you already know, fishing is a great way to spend your free time, relax, get fresh air, and even try your hand at winning some tournament cash. So many of my favorite memories are from fishing, but it’s the people I share those memories with that make them truly special. It’s the early mornings on the water with my grandpa watching the fog come off a lake with a nuclear reactor in the background, it’s kayaking down some really insane and sketchy rapids with large boulders protruding everywhere with my brother, it’s fly fishing with a lifelong friend for both trout and big grass carp, it’s catching paddlefish from the bank with a group of friends, it’s catching countless bluegill on night crawlers under a bobber with my dad, it’s striped bass fishing off the top of a cliff in pouring rain with a coworker, or it’s catching bass from an old strip mine lake with my now wife. There are far too many memories to share in just one blog post, but the memories I’ve made with the loved ones in my life will last a lifetime. Make time to spend on the water with those people who not only make you a better angler, but a better person. Time spent fishing is not wasted, especially when we share the experience with another person we love or care about.
This being said, here are some ways you can meet people to fish with and create lasting memories and relationships. One way, and maybe the best way, is to meet people out on the water. This may be a little tougher solo from a boat or kayak, but it certainly isn’t from the bank. There are a plethora of public parks and lakes with shore access here in the Midwest, and chances are there will be people fishing these places every day. Be friendly, introduce yourself, and strike up a conversation about fishing (gear, local knowledge, what’s biting, ANYTHING!) Another way is to frequent your local tackle shops, Bass Pro’s, etc. One of Paul and I’s best fishing buddies was met at a Gander Mountain grand opening. He asked us about our high school, then fishing, and then the rest is history. These places will surely be filled with like minded individuals who are as passionate about fishing as you. Introduce yourself, be friendly, and ask about a product they are looking at, or make a color suggestion for the lures you’re looking at, or even inquire about whatever they’re looking for in store. A third way is by joining online fishing groups and forums. Facebook, for example, is full of smaller, local fishing groups, as well as larger, more national groups. I am a member in many of these types of groups, and all it takes is a post asking if anyone wants to fish at a given day or time. With social media, we are all more connected than ever.
In conclusion, fishing is one of the best ways to make lifelong, lasting memories, especially when done with someone we care about. Whether it’s a family member, grandparent, or just a friend, sharing the experience with someone builds relationships and memories. Always take the time to get out with someone when you can, because one day you can’t. Let this simple blog post serve as a guide to start building lasting relationships, as well as strengthen existing relationships. Love the adventure!
Tight lines!
Erik Hoffman, Hall of Fame Outdoor Co