Well it's that time of year again where the bass are getting active, thinking about spawning and are looking to fill their bellies. In previous reports I've written about favorite baits, lures and tactics on fishing. At this time of year I believe you can just about put a hook on a broomstick handle and catch a bass on our lake. I may actually try that theory this year just for kicks. Anyway, this report is a little different than others. I'd like to write about your last cast. This is not specifically a fishing report for our dedicated fishermen who are regularly on the lake. This is not a report targeted for getting more and more fishermen into our fishing tournaments. This is a fishing report for everyone, about the last cast you made.

I saw his last cast between bowl games and didn't think too much about it at the time. With deep scars from his war wounds, the cast was far from being as accurate and as pretty as some. The target was into the Gulf of Mexico from the sand beach. Just getting the bait between the shore and the sand bar was the goal and the leader, hooks and 2 ounce pyramid sinker found their mark. He commented that he was happy to see this pole again, as he purchased the pole sometime in the 1960's and had not seen it, since it had been in my garage for the better part of 20 years. The pole was nothing fancy, just a brown 11 foot Abu Garcia surf rod, recently rebuilt with new eyes and a new brass Penn reel. The original Mitchell reel it replaced had a very rough drag, due to years of salt buildup and rust.

He sat in his chair, as he did years ago, with sunglasses, a Gators cap, a t-shirt covered by an unbuttoned denim shirt, shorts and a worn out pair of leather"docker" shoes. It was a sunny, warm day for January, even for Florida. The wind was not too strong. The surf was light enough to fish, but hard enough so you could enjoy the swish and swash of the waves impacting on the sand. We sat and spoke about topics I can't remember, drank cold beer and watched the tips of the surf rods for a strike. I remember yelling,"FISH ON THE BROWN ROD." He struggled a bit to get out of the chair, picked up the rod and set the hook with several strong pulls. A fish was brought out of the surf onto the sand. This process was repeated several times and about a half dozen whiting were put into the cooler for a fish fry. A few small sharks and smaller fish were caught Bill Hunkapiller and his dad, Bob and released. I remember saying,"Last cast before the game!" as he cast his bait into the gulf. I did the same. The scents of saltwater, cut baitfish, stale beer in cans warmed by the sun and coconut from suntan lotion filled the air.

His last cast of the day would end up being his last cast forever. He died a week from the following Sunday. We had spent the better part of 30 some years fishing together. He saw me catch my first largemouth bass and I got to see him catch his first walleye and northern pike. Together we fished fresh and saltwater, inshore and offshore, from small ponds to large lakes in the US and in Canada. Together we had a lot of fun times catching fish, but mostly it was about spending time together. It's hard to lose a good fishing buddy. I know he's in a better place and among the best of company. I hope he's found a new favorite fishing spot and I know he will show it to me someday. He was called by many names and titles over the years; Bob, Robert,"Jim Bob", fraternity brother, Marine, lawyer, husband, friend, father and of course, son. I knew him as only one name, Dad. So with that, I ask that you take a kid or a friend fishing. There are an awful lot of memories out there to build before your last cast.