One week ago today I began my quest for The Grand Slam by donning six layers of clothing that made me look like a pudgy polar bear in rain gear and waddle like a penguin.
I climbed aboard one of those float planes for a ride to a remote wilderness destination where Blackee, our guide for the week, assured Earl and me we would find two of the four species of fish that comprise The Grand Slam. If you catch one of each during your stay at Wollaston Lake Lodge, you receive a mug attesting to your skills with a rod and reel. Or maybe it’s a testimony to luck, I’m not sure.
I decided that since I had come to one of the great fishing lodges in North America, I should at least attempt to get a mug for our collection. Having only fished a couple times before in my life, I wasn’t sure I could do it; but Blackee is a patient sort who tutored me on how to cast and reel in, how to use the rod to make the fish work hard and tire quickly, the easier to get him in the boat. Truthfully, I’m not sure who was more tired at the end of the day — those four fish I managed to catch or me.
The four species are Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Grayling. And while a fish is a fish is a fish to me, I did learn that one uses different techniques to catch each. It took me two days total, but I managed and have photos to prove it.
I must be getting hooked (no pun intended), for when I returned home a few days ago I asked the trainer at the local health club for exercises that will strengthen my arms, the better to fight fish in the future. And, even if I don’t fish for a while, at least I’ll be able to raise my shiny black mug to my lips without any trouble.
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