[vash]

yesterday, i went fishing. i treated a friend that always takes me out on his bassboat to a guided trip on a lake he has never been on. i hired the guide. the son of one of my contractor foreman.

we met in the dark at the ramp. everyone had masks and hoodies on because it was below freezing. the kid backed up the boat like a pro, took us on and out into the lake.

fishing was slow, but that isnt the point of this thread. when the sun came up, i got a good look at our guide. he was super young looking!! i had to ask, "how old are you?"

17!! i was blown away. (my friend got the WTF look on his face!)! he said, he got his guide license a mere four months prior. he hustled. i backlashed right away. the guide immediately grabbed the rod and handed me another.. he picked out my backlash while my good friend gave me krap the entire time. the kid seemed lost at our adult jokes and ribbing, but he got in on some of the action. mostly making fun of my lucky hat. but the guide never stopped working. always moving to find us fish. showing us the topo map and explaining the structure, and how to work a particular lure. he kept the boat clean, and made sure we were having fun. his boat was a bit junky, and run down. it had a new motor he bought used. but he said he saved up the money.

this kid guides when he isnt in school. he has plans for college. what a great young man!! there are some kids i wont get in their car..much less let them pilot me around a lake at 60mph!! i am reserving a date in the spring. he was a good fishing guide.