Thinking outside the Box
I am at a loss for words about this; this is truly a sad picture. I sit here and read about its impending doom as if she is on a death bed and I will never have the pleasure of fishing her again. Despite all the gloom, this lake has had many ups and downs, and it has the potential to recover. The lake is going to need assistance this time around, and now is not the time to abandon it. It will need all of those who have utilized its resources to pitch in and help. What ever it is that each individual feels what they can do to help, needs to be done.
To think that all my life I have heard the many fascinating stories of this lake. My favorite read was compilation of Joe Fellegys; The Early Bird Resort stories. I wish I would have had the pleasure of joining him on one of those launches.
I am the fortunate Grandson of a man who spent many summers on a lake just north of Malmo. My Grandfather; through his undying loyalty to this little piece of shoreline and cabin that he owned; would curse the thought of anyone who would venture a fishing trip to Mille Lacs.
As a child I spent many trips up to Grandpas’ cabin passing through the towns of Isle and north through Malmo, peering out the windows of our station wagon, trying to get a glimpse of the great lake as we passed. The entire time hoping that this would be the weekend that Grandpa and Dad would drop the bass fishing gear and take me out fishing on Mille Lacs.
My thirst for walleye fishing was kick started on my Grandpas little gem of a lake. And that thirst would only grow as I would read about and here about the stories of the walleye fishing on Mille Lacs. My hope was that someday I would be able to convince Dad and Gramps to take me there.
Once we would arrive at Grandpas cabin, I would start my quest by helping get everything unpacked, take care of the simple chores, cut the grass when I was allowed, all in the hope that it would create a window of opportunity to finally go and fish off one the Mile Lacs Lake launches. Then finally, one summer Friday night my persistence paid off. Gramps, Dad, and I were headed down to Fishers resort first thing in the morning. I was about to head out on the lake, out on the water, and actually catch a 10 lbs walleye, the anticipation gave me chills. We did not catch that 10 pounder we only caught a few walleyes; to “Gramps delight” lol; as for myself I was thoroughly thrilled and from that moment on. It started a passion that carries on today.
Now here I am today 53 years old, living with a passion that was started by My Father and Grandfather Still chasing that Mille Lacs Lake 10 pounder. I have a nice walleye rig, all the new gear and all the new gadgets. I believe that both of them, no longer here anymore, still enjoy watching me continue the chase.
I am a grandfather myself now and I hopefully and truly believe that I have passed this passion on to my own family through the many weeks and weekends that my family has spent on Mille Lacs. We will continue on fishing the lake with the hope that someday if it is not me, it might be one of my children or grandchildren who have had the fortune of enjoying this lakes resources.
Now I have a new quest to pursue not for myself this time, and not just for my family and friends. I hope that there is still a bright future ahead for Mille Lacs Lake. I hope that the opportunities that I have had, will continue for all those who wish to land a trophy, or a story so that they can carry it with them, and pay it forward.
Well; I guess I was really not at a loss for words,
JRH
