Ramblings on a -27C morning……..

My other thoughts turn to this old classic……the Zebco Cardinal 3. This is the ultra-light version made by Abu-Garcia back in the 70’s and was given to me by long time guide and “Eagle-Laker” Gord Euler. This seems to be the reincarnation of the “Ol Greenie” I owned for decades. The sad but true tale of losing Ol Greenie is burnt into my brain. Several years ago we had two couples stop off the highway for an overnight cabin. These people were from Italy (only one spoke English) and were on their way to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears. One thing lead to another and they decided that they should go fishing on the way back, and that I should guide them. Now, these were not our typical fisher people. The women were somewhat older, but were dressed like Italian models. Particularly intriguing was the hair color of one lady…..sort of a burnt red, fluorescent orange combo…….very distracting. Of course no one has equipment, or likely has even fished before…….never mind the language barrier. Well, I set them up with my stuff, including the classic Zebco on a lovely St. Croix ultra-light rod which I “lent” to the Italian lady in my boat. I even conscripted my son Mike into guiding and running the other boat……..he had the couple who spoke no English, which was perfect for Mike who isn’t much for small talk. We did the adventure trip of going up the creek into Clearwater Lake, which seemed to impress the Italians greatly. The fishing was absolutely “stupid”…..you couldn’t help but catch trout or whitefish…….and we often had 2 on at the same time. Mike even landed a 40 inch pike out of 60 feet of water……it was nuts. It was so nuts in fact that when the lady in the boat set down “my” rod and reel to take a picture of her husband’s fish it was like the time-space continuum suddenly slowed to a crawl. From the corner of my eye I thought I saw the rod tip go down……at about the same time the butt of the rod went way up. I had time to think “What the hell, she left her lure in the water…….” and perhaps started a futile grab maneuver. The rod vaulted over the side and entered the nether regions of deep water. I could only smile and control the urge to strangle someone….it was my beloved “Ol Greenie”.

I’m over the trauma now, and actually have fond memories of that day. We had a great shore lunch of fried trout, and even saw a 12 point buck. The “rod loser” woman was very gracious in her broken English in offering to pay for my rod……but I chose to just chock it up to experience. Well, now a new “Ol Greenie” has surfaced. Time to grease it up and get it ready for the summer of 2010!