The lake has for decades been a retirement location for many a grandfather. Like many grandfathers, the short or long spaced out visits with the grandchildren has made the title a bit tarnished as to what in so many hearts had hoped to bring a far greater joy in being one. It doesn”t have to be that way, as the lake itself can add a much higher degree of enjoyment for those grandfathers who retire here.
There are so many children living right here who would love to learn to fish with a caring person, who could teach them the ropes, share some gear that may not be affordable to them, by just having a way to “hook” up with a retired grandfather who has the time to enjoy them too. There are so many piers, boats and special secret places along the banks of the lake that are underused, due to not having a “buddy” to enjoy fishing with.
The many different types of fish in the lake could be used to offer the different techniques needed to catch them and the different levels of expertise, for all ages to enjoy all times of the day, spending very enjoyable memories building moments, filling the enjoyment of retirees” days off and even after school times, for children who are not active in school-offered sporting programs.
I for one, was fortunate to hook up with a grandfather-type, who taught me so much about fishing, filled countless hours enjoying the beauty of the lake and the enjoyment of fishing that was not available to me otherwise. My fond memories of those times have never been forgotten, nor of the “grand old man” who had the time to spend with me.
A simple listing of phone numbers at the local bait shops, or even a pro bono space in the sports section of the local newspaper, offering children a chance to “hook” up with a fishing grandfather, could bring far more enjoyment to so many lives than sitting around and watching the grass grow or watching Sponge Bob on the telly. I would bet in a lot of cases, grandma would be delighted to pack up some snacks for such outings, just to get the old man out of the house once in a while.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
