Bitter Sweet Day at Hodges 5/18

[Stingray]

Congrats on the PB And my condolences. Lost my dad a couple years ago. It’s a tough one. Sending prayers your way.

Camobass
Again thanks and also sorry for the loss of your Dad
Always tough!!
It sure helps to have an outlet like fishing where time and thoughts drift in and out of your mind while waiting for that next bite!
I can't think of a better way to pass the time in the grieving process!

[Stingray]

My Pops was my Fishing Partner and Friend. It is hard to lose both. The things he taught me about the intricacies of Bass Fishing were endless. The Man could fish! He taught me that you can improve yourself your whole life. I miss him so much.

Bendopolo
Sorry for your loss just figured how to attach a quote did not do that when I replied earlier to your message!
Thanks again!

[Stingray]

Stingray, as I smiled reading your post the tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. As many of us that have recently lost a parent we share the pain and joy of these moments. You can bet your bottom dollar your old man was watching you land that PB from above...…..Some of us anglers fish for recreation but there is a lot of us that fish for our sanity!

858NOVICE
When I wrote this I was thinking of my loss and now receiving all these great messages from all of you I realize I'm not the only one in this boat with a pain in my heart from losing a loved one.
Thanks

[Stingray]

Probably a very emotional day for you and no doubt your father would have been very proud of you on catching your
PB. I think he was there in spirit watching his son battle that huge bass. All of us that have lost our fathers know how
hard it is and thank goodness we can still hold on and cherish so many great memories like you have share with your father.
Thank you for sharing and my condolences.

Thanks VinnyBass
Everyone grieves in there own way and I'm usually a very private person but I will tell you I had some days knowing my dad was not going to make it that I sat in my kayak and cried!!
Thank goodness I like to fish where I could be alone and do this and just fish and pray that he would pass peacefully and not in any pain!

[StinkyPinky23]

I’m sorry to hear about your dad. My dad didn’t even fish, I actually got it from my stepdad and brother in law. Dad would take me to Loveland and drop me off, go sit in the truck and read a book or nap somewhere. Then he got me a 14’ valco we hot-rodded and would just sit in the boat the entire time I fished, never even cared to toss a line in. He was just facilitating my passion

[Stingray]

Stinkypinky
What an awesome dad you had set you up for something you love!
I'm sure he loved to just be on the water and share his time with his son and seeing him do something that he loved to do!
My Dad would take us surfing everywhere Hawaii Mexico all over California and he didn't surf!
I guess as your dad did just loved to see us happy
Thanks

[Dannicus]

Awesome post. No one is ever really gone brother and of course he saw you. Congratulations on a great fish and an excellent day.

[Mcfish]

I don't remember being warned when growing up that when you get into your 60s and 70s, you lose many of your friends and loved ones! I had convinced myself that my parents, relatives, and friends would always be there...and then my Mother passed away and reality hit me! Then having friends my age pass away was another slap in the face! I finally realized that those loved ones will always be along side you, but in a spiritual way! My non-fishing friends don't understand how I can spend so much time fishing alone...my fishing friends understand!! Sometimes fishing isn't about the fishing...

[Dannicus]

Oh hell yeah Mcfish. Those that get it do though. It's my zen meditation. Being part of the moment, soaking in the universe and all time. Honestly, catching fish is a blast but fishing is far more soul edifying to me.

[Stingray]

I don't remember being warned when growing up that when you get into your 60s and 70s, you lose many of your friends and loved ones! I had convinced myself that my parents, relatives, and friends would always be there...and then my Mother passed away and reality hit me! Then having friends my age pass away was another slap in the face! I finally realized that those loved ones will always be along side you, but in a spiritual way! My non-fishing friends don't understand how I can spend so much time fishing alone...my fishing friends understand!! Sometimes fishing isn't about the fishing...

I don't know if you remember me Mcfish
White Bus
We were talking about our dad's and you said you were still playing golf with yours!!
My dad was playing 3 days a week at the time!
That was just a couple months ago!!
The silent killer got him colon cancer and he had no symptoms until he did!
He was gone three weeks later!
He was 86 and in better shape than most 40 or 50 year Olds!
It's really hard to believe!
Hope your doing well and can still see your dad and hit the little white ball around!!

[Stingray]

Awesome post. No one is ever really gone brother and of course he saw you. Congratulations on a great fish and an excellent day.

Thanks Dannicus
I know he was watching from above

[Ol Dirty Basser]

Condolences. I know that nothing eases that pain, but that's a beautiful fish nonetheless.