What's Fishing, Without Catching?

Former President George Bush
Pursues the sport of fishing,
"Whether I catch fish
or not." Eagles of Angling
special guest still an avid fisherman…

PINTLALA, Alabama-Ray Scott's 55-acre lake, site of the Eagles of Angling Senior Bass Tournament, May 18th, certainly is no Walden Pond.

But, as American naturalist, philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau observed, during his fishing lifetime in the 1850's: "Some men fish all their lives without knowing it is not really the fish they are after."

Certainly, the 80-some fishermen-ages 62 years and older in the tournament-realize it's not the biggest fish they're going after. Only bass 12-inches and under will be weighed-in during the four-hour competition to benefit the Pintlala Elementary School.

But, as Mr. Thoreau pontificated during his long hiatus on the backwoods pond… "there's something more to fishing than just catching the fish."

Then, why do you pursue the sport of fishing? Is there more to angling than simply to catch a fish?

Former President George Bush, a special guest here at the Pintlala tournament and one of the most dedicated anglers while serving in the White House, offers his answer:

"I pursue fishing because I find it totally relaxing. Whether I catch fish or not, I am out there on the streams, rivers, and oceans enjoying nature and finding myself at peace."

The sport of fishing has always been a lure in his life. "My earliest fishing memories are of trolling for mackerel with silver jigs and pieces of white cloth on the hook," he recalls. "I was about five or six and the thrill lingers on."

Asked to jog his memory for the "angling highlight of your fishing life," the well-traveled fishing ex-president confided:

"There is no single angling highlight. I love catching big bass. I love going after the Char when they come up the Tree River fresh out of the Arctic Ocean or of the Atlantic Salmon in Labrador or Newfoundland.

"My favorite, might well be, hooking up with a 12 or 13-pound Bonefish in the Florida Keys or a Permit there," he says.

Then a pause, as if reflecting on a bygone thrill, "and don't forget the False Albacore off the Carolina Coast. How can I choose?"
What's Fishing, Without Catching?

In today's rush-hour lifestyles and one-parent families, the opportunities to grow up around fishing is less likely. There are lifestyle benefits to fishing. What are the values fishing teaches a boy (youth) growing up?

Here's President Bush's observations: "Fishing teaches patience, the excitement of the catch, too. It also teaches one respect for the pristine nature of the waters of America."

As an avid bass fisherman and lifetime member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), an organization founded by Ray Scott, Mr. Bush has been "fishing buddies" on the lake here. Scott's lake is called, "The Presidential Lake," for the fact that two U.S. Presidents have gone fishing here in the past. Both President George W. Bush and his father fished during the previous Eagles of Angling tournament to raise funds for the Pintlala Baptist Church building fund.

Requested to provide an insight into the father-son angling picture and any "fishing trip highlight," the senior Bush commented: "No specific highlight of fishing with the President, though I have done that a lot. He is a good fly fisherman and baitcaster, too."

Did Mr. Bush compete in the Eagles of Angling Senior Bass Tournament? "He's here as an official cheerleader," said tournament director Ray Scott. "Knowing him, he'll want to get in a few casts in my lake-he's always caught good bass on any trip-but his schedule is real tight."

A speaking engagement at Louisiana State University, Friday, delayed Mr. Bush's arrival for the tournament start at 11:30 a.m.

Cheers went up from 195 flag-waving students at the Pintlala Elementary School as Principal Chuck Insinga and teachers welcomed the former President in a brief 15-minute stop at the school enroute to check on the fishing at the "Presidential Lake." Welcome posters and banners in the cross-roads community heralded Mr. Bush on his return to the school, where he visited as the country's sitting President in the early 1990s.

Asked by news reporters how he could fit a visit to a tiny, rural community into his busy post-Presidential schedule, Mr. Bush said it wasn't a tough decision to make.

"It's hard to say 'no' to Ray," he said. "When Ray asked, I tried to accommodate him because he does so much for his fellow man in his community. Besides, I love to fish."

Of the money-raising effort Mr. Bush said, "This is grassroots American. You see volunteers here. This is the way our country ought to be."

I come and see these kids and I see what these teachers are doing, and it makes you feel young," concluded the countries 41st President who will celebrate his 77 birthday in a few weeks.

Oh yes, Mr. President one more question, please. What is the weight of your biggest largemouth bass?

"My largest bass?" Like a true bass angler, Mr. Bush spread his hands wide apart to demonstrate the size. "About 8 pounds, caught in Houston, Texas on a medium-size chartreuse spinnerbait," he grinned.