Do you love big bluegill?

How I spent Mothers day...

What an awesome day! My mother and father, along with a neighbor couple and their older son, came up this afternoon for a little BG fishing. As such, yours truly didn't fish much, but instead tried to help mom and dad enjoy their day. I believe everyone had a good time, and I know they were pleased with all the fillets to take home. Somewhere between 50-60 BG met the knife today, and I'm sure at least a portion of them will meet the hot oil later tonight.

I've talked a lot before about how blessed myself, my wife, and our boys are to have this property, and we're thankful to be in good health and able to utilize it in a manner that brings us so much enjoyment. It can be a lot of work maintaining and caring for it, but after watching my parents catching fish and having fun, it's definitely worthwhile.

I know we're all aware that "time waits for no man," or woman for that matter. I can see that it's harder for my parents to do some things that I'm sure they took for granted just a few years ago. If I need to endure some blood, sweat, and bee stings in order to allow them to continue doing something they love, then so be it.

My mother taught me to fish many years ago, and let me tell you she can still put fish on the bank. Dad can too. Maybe the sun, and all the standing up takes a toll now, where once it was simply shrugged off. No problem, that's why they make folding chairs. And umbrellas. Walking back up the hill from the big lake didn't always require stopping to rest, but that's okay too. We're in no hurry today, and the shade where we stopped felt cool and refreshing. Tying a good knot in 4lb test when your eyes are tired, and your fingers stiff from the ravages of time can be difficult, but laughter at one's own shortcomings seems to help the process along. At least it did today.

And so, today wasn't about the numbers. Sure, a lot of fish were caught, but they weren't weighed, or measured, or even photographed. No, today meant something else, at least for me. BBG brothers and sisters, remember to put the rod down occasionally, and spend some time enjoying your family, watching and helping them enjoy themselves. Feature photos of big Bluegills will wait. Time on the other hand, won't.

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey D. Abney on May 13, 2012 at 5:17pm

Nice testimony Tony.....I'm so excited to get my parents and nephew here next month....Like you, I let my Pop dictate the pace as the brutal Summer heat takes a toll....We use to go all day but find satisfaction in a morning or afternoon trip now........Big bluegill fishing is awesome and I'm addicted....fishing with smiles on my family's faces.....Priceless.......We find peace when we're out on the fishing hole or "chewing the fat" around the filet table......Bluegill fishing has been a cornerstone in the Abney family since I can remember!