Life, if we are wise and have a little luck, can be such a magical experience. True, there are many challenges, but if looked at closely, all challenges are intended to make us better people. Properly interpreted they make us more understanding, increasingly willing to help others in similar situations, humbler, kind and most all, wiser. Since we’re all so imperfect it’s critical to recognize this fact and work on ourselves and our shortcomings. Every family, yes, every family is facing some sort of crisis, work, personnel, health, wayward or alienated family members, even though they many times hide their anxieties well. But that doesn’t mean there are not sleepless nights, doubts, fears, worry, tears and nagging insecurities. However, this is all part of the plan of life and nothing is without purpose even if self-inflicted.

That’s what I love about vacations. It’s critical to plan at least 1 vacation every year, escaping the challenges of life and actually free yourself into a world where responsibilities and worries recede into the background and are forgotten. Vacations are the perfect antidote for stress.

First, pick a destination, make reservations, and begin planning. Don’t go in debt to do this, vacations can be inexpensive, outdoor camping, hiking, etc. and the cost has nothing to do with the relaxation your little adventure can bring. I always compile a list of everything needed. Leave blank spaces so items may be added. As you pack, check them off. Even with a list I still manage to forget something, usually it’s been checked off but not placed in the cooler in the early morning hours of departure when you’re still half asleep. Good grief.

I especially love fishing vacations. Fishing demands your entire attention; there’s no room for other considerations. You need a map of the lake which must be carefully studied and it’s wise to talk to local anglers and get a feel for what’s happening, where to go, what lures to use. Out on the lake every cast demands complete concentration. Your tense, like a mouse trap ready to snap and set the hook if a strike occurs. At the same time your eyes are scanning the water for structure, where to cast next, boat placement, watching the depth, how the fish are acting to your presentations. Your mind never stops churning. It’s wonderful and sometimes you catch a fish!

Scott Neely’s as driven as I am and just as focused. Recently we were in Maine where Scott’s goal was a 20-inch largemouth. But though the fishing was good, the first 3 days, the bass averaging 16 to 17-inches, larger bass, especially Scott’s dreamed of 20-incher were elusive. He landed an 18-inch largemouth on Wednesday but as the week drew to a close, he was beginning to doubt it would happen.

Friday morning, drifting next to a rocky shore, he hooked and landed a beautiful 19-inch bass after a long battle. His biggest to date, he was thrilled, but it wasn’t the dreamed of 20-inch lunker.

We motored back, ate lunch and wandered out on the dock for crappies. A school moved in and were hitting well. Scott had worked his way out to the very end of the dock when I heard him shout. Grabbing the net I hustled out. His UL was bent double and looking up at me with concern and apprehension he said; “Don’t know what this is but it’s big, there’s no controlling it at all!”

Suddenly, the fish shot out from under the dock and jumped! Oh, my word, a big, big bass with the tiny jig showing white against its jaw. The bass bored left, tearing drag and then dove deep into the weeds.

“Follow him, Scott, get directly over the fish, pull straight up as much as you dare and keep the tension on.”

He did so and after 2 minutes of steady pressure the bass came free, ran and jumped again! Oh, what a beauty! Back under the dock, short, violent runs, Scott’s heart in his mouth as the powerful fish made light of the UL and 4 lb. test line. But the steady pressure slowly began to tell. The runs became shorter, the bass gradually tiring and Scott dared to hope he might land her.

I stood anxiously waiting with the net, the largemouth came to the surface, wallowed, thrashed, then dove again. The tension was terrible, would the line hold, the hook tear out? The white belly showed, the bass surfaced, thrashed and unbelievably she was in the net!

Scott stood staring, exhausted, limp, a nervous wreck, but the fish was his at last! A 20-inch plus largemouth! I pointed; the jig had popped out in the net. Wow, a close thing, very close indeed. But what a trophy bass and unbelievably caught on his tiny UL and light line! A battle royal.

Scott, still hardly daring to believe he actually had landed his trophy, lit up like the sun! Delight radiated from his face; a joy beyond words overwhelming him.

We stood there grinning, laughing, delighted, shaking hands, marveling at his catch. He’d done it and on his UL of all things. Dreams do come true and occasionally they happen in ways you could never imagine.

Great fish Scott, what a trophy, what a battle! Best of all, as the years pass these memories will only grow sweeter.