One Nation, Under God

My favorite Phillips County place

It took me a whole two years, but I finally went out to Nelson Reservoir to fish.

I almost forgot how nice Nelson was, though I typically get a weekly reminder from our area’s athletes. When I ask kids where their favorite spot in Phillips County is, a majority of times they respond “Nelson.” After my trip a couple of weeks ago, I remembered why Nelson was so awesome.

Nelson was one of my first impressions with the Phillips County Area seven years ago. Bottom Bouncing was one of the first skills that I had learned since moving from the Chicagoland area thanks to my Father-in-law.

Before I moved here, I fished for large-mouth bass and it was always catch and release. The fishing was typically done in a pond in a suburban subdivision of the land. When I moved here, I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the fish-ing around here was done in a boat.

It seemed like as soon as I dropped my line into the water that fish started jump-ing in the boat. There was a learning curve to it, but I really appreciated the peace and tranquility of Nelson.

Since having kids, I had rarely gone out to fish and given how loud our house can be with a screaming Lincoln or PJ, it was nice to get out on the water last Friday.

I was afraid that I had been away too long and had forgotten everything I knew about fishing. I was right to an extent as every vibration from the rocky bottom of Nelson gave me the appearance of a bite. I had lost several worms that day and even a hook thanks to the sharp teeth and pull of a northern pike.

I had forgotten how powerful the pull of a northern pike or walleye could feel and how slimy a Pike could be or the joys of pulling a fish into the boat felt.

Most of all it was great to have peace and though my Father-in-law spends a lot of time talking on the boat, things were peaceful. And though I had enjoyed that peace, I couldn’t wait to get home and tell my family about the trip.

 

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