Fishing column brings back Shasta memory

Thanks, Wayne Shaw, for the great column (“Poly duo wins big,” Feb. 25) about Nick Rinauro and Alec Pitts winning the bass tourney at Lake Shasta. Although my original reaction was, “Fishing Shasta in February? Br-r-r-r!” I was jolted with a McCloud River arm memory of my own.

It brought back that June evening, sun low in the sky, when I tossed out the 100th cast of the day and got my first EVER strike on my Mepps spinner rig — much to the pride and joy of my ever-patient dad. He’d waited three summers for that fish since giving me my very own rod and Garcia reel.

With his guidance, I landed a 17-inch largemouth bass. First and last fish, but I’ll never forget the look on Dad’s face. Your beautifully written words brought it flashing back, along with grateful tears. Thank you, Daddy, and thank you, Wayne. Fish on!

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 8:07 PM with the headline "Fishing column brings back Shasta memory."