A Father’s Day letter to dad.

Dad's massive Wahoo

Dad, The irony of your passing the day before Father’s Day isn’t lost on us.  I thought it was a cruel joke that God had dealt us at first. Now I understand his timing. While we miss you all the time; Father’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on our fishing trips and your legacy.

I hope you are enjoying heaven. How’s the Snook fishing up there? Do you get to see what we’re up to down here? The fishing has been has been good. It continues to surprise me how much I use what you taught me about fishing. I appreciate your sage advice.

You taught a lot of anglers how to fish. Many of them still speak of Tim’s Tackle Box and the legacy you left behind. The only way we know how to thank you is to pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

I couldn’t help but think of our many ultra light fishing trips as I fished off mom’s dock recently. Fishing four-pound line for Copper Nose, Crappie and Bass is still my favorite technique.

The one trip I’ll never forget was our Lake Davis adventure. It was the full moon in June. You drove Ron and I in the Pontiac to the east side of the lake where a half dozen other anglers were casting. We caught 64 Copper Nose in 58 minutes. You sold 36 “Tim’s Fantastic Bluegill Jigs” to those frustrated anglers between casts.

I remember you recounted the money in the cigar-box upon our arrival home. Those additional 36 one-dollar bills put the total up to $800. That money was the beginning of your tackle store.

Well I hate to rush off but I’m preparing for ICAST. I think the last one I attended with you was in Vegas. We flew back with Ray Scott and laughed all the way home. There I go again. Damn I miss you.

Say hello to Grandma, Grandpa, Slim, Verna and Chad for me.

Love,

TJ

Please take your dad fishing soon. The memories you make will last forever.