No Catfish in Heaven
Catawba Cat was nearing the end of his life. The chances of another fishing trip were doubtful. Then a miracle happened. Instead of his obituary, the local newspaper featured a full page picture of Catawba looking "fit as a fiddle" with a new world record six foot Arkansas Blue slung over his left shoulder. No one could believe that he was alive and catfishing again. Catawba Cat was a fishing legend long before his near fatal bout with death. Now, with a new world record, his fishing prowess was growing to an even higher level. Crowds gathered everywhere he traveled, particularly at The River City Tackle Shop where Sam, the store clerk, often allowed him time to spin a few yarns. Catawba was doing just that, when he was asked how he became so ill that he almost died. His reply was simple, "A catfish got me." Someone asked, "With his stinger?" "No," said Catawba. "It was meaner than that. It yanked me into the water where we tossed and turned in the current for over an hour. By the time I was finally free, I was totally exhausted. The fish came back and started hitting me with its head. Over and over it rammed my stomach. I guess it was trying to get even with me for catching so many of its relatives over the years. I finally passed out." "The next thing I remember was lying in a hospital bed, connected to a respirator. I have no idea how I got there. Flowers and cards were everywhere and the people who visited were all sad. They must have thought I was going to die because no one smiled or seemed glad to see me. I passed out again and remember standing beside a big fishing pond in the sky with giant catfish jumping everywhere." "I regained consciousness long enough to hear my half brother, Deere Jon, whisper something in my ear." About the time Catawba paused to take a breath, in walked Deere Jon. The crowd wanted to know what it was that he had whispered in Catawba's ear. Reluctantly, Deere Jon began his part of the story. "I knew he was a goner and didn't want to lose him. I shouldn't have fibbed, but I didn't know what else to do." When Jon paused, someone asked, "Well, what did you say?" Sheepishly he replied, "I told him that there were No Catfish in Heaven. Catawba frowned at first, but then smiled. That's when I knew he was going to be OK." Be reminded that small fish have...................Large Tales. Capt. Gus' new book of fishing stories, like the one above, is available on line at http://www.fishtalesandotherstories.com/ - $8.95 plus S&H. Captain Gustafson is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his Web site at http://www.fishingwithgus.com/, e-mail him at Gus@lakenorman.com, or call 704 617 6812. |
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| May 2007 |