Woke up this morning from a surreal Dream. You would not believe who visited me last night. Our very own beloved LAB. Kind of freaked me out at first but thought it was important to share with you all based on his parting words to me. This is the cleaned up version of how the conversation went.
Lab- Tap on the Shoulder. What's up MVP, I see you have been doing allot of fishing lately. What the F_ck is going on, do you not work anymore.
Alex- Holy shit, what are you doing here. Is this for Real.
Lab- You better believe it Brother I Just thought i would pay you a visit and see how things are going.
Alex- Things are going pretty well. My company is going through a transition which has opened up my schedule. I am kind of a workaholic so i have decided to take this time to committing to putting my time in this year in search of that elusive 20 lb. Tog i have been dreaming about. I will probably not have opportunity like this in the future so i am all in this year.
Lab- I see from your log book that you have been killing it this year?
Alex- What else have you been seeing
. You know what i do not even want to know the answer to that one
. The year is starting out with a bang as have done 12 trips so far and have caught 116 Keepers. 3 fish have gone over 10 lbs with biggest going 12.7 lbs. All 3 fish were released but the last one did not make it as we tried to revive it but fish came up from deep water and did not survive so it was put to good use in my Tog Chowder.
Lab- Whats with letting all the big fish Go.
Alex- It is my way of paying it forward as i have well over 30 double digits under my belt and i know what a thrill it gives me when i catch a trophy like that. By letting it go it gives anaother angler one day to have opportunity to feel that thrill. For selfish reason i hope the Tog Gods are looking down upon me and will bless me with that 20+ pounder this year for my good deed.
What do you think my chances are this year?
Lab- You have just as much chance as anyone else on the boat that Day. You have put up the big fish 2 of the last 3 years on the OE and seemed to be dialed in this year except for a few clunker days of 3-4 keepers. But guess what MVP what you have done in the past does not mean Shit come saturday. That is why it is called PUOSU. As for your chances this sat it is not happening as you no what they say. Nice guys finish last.
Oh by the way thanks for building me the Grandpa Rod as I would have put allot of fluke to sleep with that beauty. Good luck this Saturday as you are going to need it. Tell Gerry and the guys that i appreciate all they have done for my family.
Alex- With those parting words he was gone and my eyes opened.
I have prayed to god many times to give me a sign and opportunity to speak to a few of my friends or family members that have passed but never expected Lab to be the one to show up. I guess it was his way to let us know that he is looking down upon us whatching are every move.
