Finding that Perfect Rod

Yesterday I had to go into town to run life's typical errands, and my son decided to ride in with me to do some shopping. This guy is one of the most well-rounded 18-year-old individuals I know, and I truly enjoy the moments we get to hang out, plus it gave me an opportunity to see marketing in action. At the top of his shopping list, and the chatter on the drive in, was a new pan fishing rod and reel. Spring is in the air, his poles are older and showing their age, and he just really wanted a new one. Plus, his Papaw has been on him about going over to a local lake and stocking up on Walleye. That could've been driving his desire just a little.

I got all of my undesirable adulting completed, he's gathered up the supplies he'd had on his mental list, and it's time to head back to the selection of fishing gear. For me, picking a pole for Blue Gill is as easy as pouring my cup of coffee in the morning. I've always been a devoted fan of the original basic Zebco Classic. Not Wyatt. This young man pulled down several different combos and explained in great detail to me why each one wasn't what he was looking for. He didn't want a big price tag just for Crappie, this one had a mechanism going on with the reel that he wasn't fond of, that rod didn't have the best reputation, and so on. I was quite impressed with the knowledge he actually held in regard to those poles. Of all the options available, he settled on the twenty-dollar Shakespeare open face, because they're simple, they work, and he just likes them. All the engineering, effort, and funding companies have invested into developing new products could not beat the memories and enjoyment he's had with that rod. It was a prime example of why keeping your core values matters.

While the simple Shakespeare won the rod and reel competition, there was a much different approach to the lures. Have you seen the assortment that's available these days? The technology involved with catching a fish is outstanding. The price tags, not so much. While I'm checking out the popping frogs, fancy dragonflies, and mechanical fish that actually mock swimming movements, Wyatt is inspecting the small painted minnows. He's checking out how well each is colored, and how realistic they appear. While I'm trying to explain that I've caught many Blue Gill off pop tabs and gummy worms, so I don't believe those fish really put much thought into what the bait looks like, he's letting me know they just look cool. I'm guessing at 18 having a selection of nice-looking lures when fishing with your buddies is important. Sometimes it's just fun to test out new rigs too.

What did I learn from our day out? Sometimes tried and true trumps new and improved. Other times, fancy paint jobs will definitely catch our eye and hold our attention. Either way, at the end of the day, make sure you grab a five-dollar box of assorted artificial bait to keep your tackle box full, and look forward to making more memories with those you care about. It's not about the cost of your rod, or the paint job on your lure. Each of those purchases are about time spent with your Grandpa, or competing with your buddies down at the river. Making memories at 18, to carry with you through your golden years, is really what it's all about.

Today's journey has me excited to pack up a few bologna sandwiches, some drinks, and head out to the lakes with the kids and grandkids, and of course my dad. Here's to hoping our summer, and yours is full of fun adventures, memorable tales, and enjoyable company.