The Gift of Fishing
In the off-season when I’m not fishing tournaments down south, working a show or ice fishing, I do a lot of self-reflecting. I look back at all that fishing has given me, not just a hobby, or the enjoyment and thrill of catching a fish.
I think about the friendships, partnerships and memories that were built around fishing. I think about how I turned my
passion for fishing into an occupation, a successful tournament career and all the people I have met along the way. I think about what my life would have been like if I hadn’t been given this gift and I am thankful for all the people who have helped fuel this passion. I think about My grandmother Wreathia and fishing from the “bidge” (bridge) at our cabin on fox island and her paddling us around in a canoe or making us homemade fishing rods, hooks and looking for different types of baits to use. I think about my papa Wang and our ice fishing trips; the snowmobile rides, ice cold temperatures and wondering how his toes aren’t freezing off in his old wellington rubber boots. I think about little things like my shark piggy bank at my Granny Pearls and my Papa Don’s place filled with coins and Canadian tire money that I would use to purchase new fishing tackle. I think about my first fishing tournament, and going fishing with my uncle Kim Buck and his brother Teddy Coppaway in the Eddie tournament. I think about all the life lessons fishing has taught me; patience, persistence and perseverance. I think about all the amazing times and wonderful memories that fishing has given me.
Fishing has made me who I am today and that would not have been possible with out the help of many different people, whether it be getting my first rod or reel from my parents, fishing from the dock with babysitters, getting my first boat from my grandfather, or getting my first fishing sponsorship from Paris Marine.
I am thankful for all of this and so much more, so I do my best everyday to give back to the fishing community. I encourage young people to get involved by giving my time, tackle and knowledge. I take them fishing when I can, and have taken many in their first tournaments. I have created and cherish all of these same memories with my own kids.
Fishing was a gift that was given to me, and I encourage you – if you have been given this gift, pay it forward and keep passing along the gift of fishing.
Thank you, see you on the water and wishing you tight lines!!
Your fishing Guide
Mike Williams
