Trending
There are certain retail excursions that I usually find taxing when accompanying my spouse. You ladies know what I am talking about.
A simple trip to Lowes, Harbor Freight, Menard's or Cabela's is never a quick outing. But I have learned to prepare for such shopping events by seeking out areas of each store that interests me.
I just can't get excited picking out two by fours, but show me to the collection of hanging rugs, and I'm in. Or while he is looking over electrical gadgets I will meander into the bird feeder aisle where I am intrigued by all the ways you can attract and feed birds.
However a recent trip to Cabela's brought back some childhood memories that made me smile. We were fixated on the fishing equipment department in preparation for an upcoming guys'-only fishing trip. I came along to the store because, well, let's face it, there is always something new to look at while in Cabela's.
While he checked out fish food, trout hooks and other fish- luring enticements, I checked out other areas of the store. Yet I was drawn back to the fishing department which was bustling with activity. Perhaps it is the fact that streams, lakes and other bodies of water are calling out to springtime anglers, but there were plenty of fishermen stocking up on necessities.
As I perused aisle after aisle of fishing lures, rods and other equipment, I was taken back to my childhood when fishing was the one thing that our dad shared equally with his sons and daughters. In fact, some of us girls enjoyed fishing more than the boys. I was one of them.
When we were quite young, Dad would drive us up to Oglebay Park's Schenk Lake where he taught us how to bait a hook and release a fish from its grasp. It's where we learned Dad had more patience than we gave him credit for as he spent a great deal of time untangling fishing line.
As our skills improved we were fortunate to have a friend in Joe Funk of Wellsburg. He had a lovely home and accompanying body of water that was home to a variety of fish. We had occasion to wet a line there a time or two. It was such a treat to stand alongside our dad as he pulled a fish from the water and displayed it with pride.
There's no doubt we cornered the market on landing bluegills, we also managed to land trout or other fish on various outings. Being at Cabela's reminded me that the simple pleasure of fishing is a great way to spend time with family.
I'm happy to know that our son also has a passion for fishing.
Whether "out the creek" or sitting on the banks of the Ohio River, he has recounted some of the greatest times of his youth were spent fishing with his best friend. And now he has handed that tradition to his own youngsters.
So if you're looking for a way to spend some quality time with friends or family, just pick up a fishing pole and head to the nearest pond or stream. And if you need some help, trust me those employees in the fishing department of Cabela's will guide your way. Good luck and don't forget to get your fishing license, too.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.