What can you say about the guy who taught you how to cast, tie an improved clinch knot, work a Rapala, row a boat, set a 220 conibear, clean fish, skin coons (don’t know the last time I actually used that skill), make bankpoles, locate a treed coon dog (never any good at that one) and a multitude of other handy skills?  And then there were groundballs, free throws, bunts, slam dunks (Nerf hoop), Cubs fandom…Oh yeah, also the importance of a good work ethic, providing for your family and spending time with your kids.

Well, not enough time to tell it all here so instead you get a collection of headlines describing a handful of outdoor related adventures with my ultimate mentor.  All classics in one way or another, and some a bit dumber than others.  Perhaps, one of these days I’ll get around to “the rest of the story.”  In the meantime, don’t try some of these at home or anywhere else for that matter.

Lake Storey Produces Odd One-Eyed Bass

Man Witnesses Muskie Caught On First Cast

Live Opossum Release Caught on Video

Anglers Narrowly Escape Monsoon On Beefy’s Creek

Trio Wrangle Record Catfish into Five-Gallon Bucket

Father Revives Unconscious Son Following Alleged Bigfoot Encounter

A Tale of Two Easter Bass

Coon Bounces Off Man’s Head And Terrorizes Youngsters

Duo Post Lake Storey Walleye Record

Men and Children Survive Hunting and Trapping Trip in Abandoned Shed

Father’s Prank Results in Son’s Near Heart Attack

Local Creek Produces Bankpoling Species Record

Mysterious Creature Caught By West Central Illinois Trappers

Trappers Report Rare White Hawk

Father-Son Outing Produces Possible Emiquon Bass Record

Trapper Overcome With Laughter As Cohorts Topple Into Icy Creek

The list (and potential foolishness) could go on and on.  Happy Father’s Day, Dad.  Talk to you later.  A fellow Dad and one of four reasons you are a Dad.