A Wonderful Experience

By SL 

I have seen people traveling with their boat so many times, and I wonder why do these people enjoy riding in their boat and what other activities they can do with their boat?  I’ve also heard some stories from friends and some family members about fishing.  I also wondered what enjoyment people get from fishing. 

One day a friend asked me if I wanted to go fishing with him and his friend.  I was hesitant because first of all, I had never gone fishing, and secondly, I was already thinking that I would be bored during this trip.  But, I hesitantly agreed to go fishing with my friend.

 The “big” day came when I had to ride in the boat on the lake and go fishing with these two men.  I was kind of excited but at the same time anxious of the unknown.  I did not know what to expect or if I would have a good time I also did not want to make these two men with me uncomfortable.    

It was about 7:30 in the morning, when my friend and I arrived at the lake.  We parked beside a conversion van with a Bass boat.  I was introduced to Eric Webb.  Even though, it was my first time meeting Eric, I felt comfortable and thought he was a nice man.  Eric with the help of my friend launched the boat on the lake and off the three of us went on the lake.  I still remember that even though the sun was already out that day, it was still very cold.

 While we were at the lake, my friend tried to teach me how to fish.  Even though fishing is not my kind of activity, I tried to do it, thinking I have to do something while we are out there on the lake.  Unfortunately, I was not catching fish.  I was getting bored, but I still continued to be patient.

 After a while, Eric called me to his side and gave me one of his fishing-pole. He was patient enough to show me step by step what to do when you are fishing.  He showed me how to lower the line of the fishing-pole into the lake, and taught me what to watch for to be able to tell if the fish was biting the bait.  He also taught me what to do when the fish bite so that I can bring the fish up and into the boat.  He watched me do what he taught me until I caught the first fish.  Now, I was excited, even though I tried not to show it.  I was happy that I caught a fish and I never thought that I would be able to do it.  And what was exciting about this was Eric was right.  I followed exactly what he told me to do and there I was, “catching one fish after the other” like I was a pro.  I caught about 15 fish (crappie) on my first time fishing ever.  I was so proud of myself.    

Eric made me feel very comfortable and he was very patient when he was teaching me how to fish, which was very important.  He made it feel like fishing was easy and fun.  Because I felt very comfortable with him, I listened very carefully to what he was saying and followed what he said step by step.   

Now, I understand why people say how much fun they have when they go fishing.  I had fun when I went fishing with my friend and Eric.  I was also glad that I did not turn down my friend’s invitation to go fishing with him and Eric, because I would have never experienced how fun it is to go fishing. 

I would like to thank first of all, my friend for the invitation, and of course, I would like to give my sincerest gratitude to Eric Webb for his patience in showing and teaching me how to fish.  Eric really cares that you learn how to fish and at the same time, have a good time. Thank you very much Eric for a very wonderful experience. Hopefully, I will be given another opportunity to go fishing with you.

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