I came across a website today that brought tears to my eyes, happy 
tears of nostalgia. The website is named Toy Fishing Rod.
It reminded me of a time when my family went to Arcadia, Florida, where my brother-in-law’s family had about 20 acres of land, a mobile home, two small fishing lakes, shetland ponies, cows, vegetable garden, etc. There were so many things there to entertain the kids and all of us. We would bring our campers and tents and spend the weekends camping out, riding ATVs, and fishing all day. This was in the early to mid 80’s.
I don’t think there was ever a time when I went to Arcadia that something crazy didn’t happen to me. The umbrella provided little shade and, more times than not, being blond and Irish, I would end up with a bad sunburn, which looked really silly when I took off my sunglasses and flip-flops. One time, it was so bad that when I got home I had to go to the hospital for sunburn treatment.
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Another time, I was driving a three-wheeler over what used to be an orange grove or orchard with lots of small mounds and ditches. I lost control of the ATV and plowed right into a barbed-wire fence. Thank goodness the wire was pushed away from the post or my face would have gone through the barbed wire. Luckily, it ended up just inches from my face. I still got pretty banged up that time.
Then there was the time when I made my ex-husband stop to pick up a box turtle that was in the middle of the road, and we brought it with us to Arcadia. There was a heavy rainstorm that night and the turtle went missing. I had everyone searching for that darn turtle in the pouring rain. He ended up being the only one that was dry, lying under the camper the whole time. Anyway, I digress.
One weekend, I was using my son’s Snoopy fishing rod and reel. It was my favorite fishing pole, and everyone would make fun of me for using it. It was orange and white, and about three feet long. I sat on the side of the lake in my lawn chair with my umbrella, a book and a drink beside me. I would sometimes lay the fishing rod on the ground beside me, but this time I was holding the rod when, all of a sudden, something tugged on the line and pulled the rod right out of my hands.
I almost landed in the lake running to grab the pole. My chair flipped over and the breeze picked up the umbrella and blew it into the lake. I love fishing, but as soon as I catch something, somebody else has to take over…lol! One thing I won’t do is actually hold the slimy wet fish in my hand and remove the hook from its mouth. I was on the other side of the lake, so I struggled with the rod, knowing that I hooked something big, while everyone came running around to my side of the lake. My brother-in-law helped bring in the biggest wide-mouth bass he’d ever seen. In fact, he weighed it and it topped the fish scale, which I think went up to 10 pounds, maybe more. Of course, we let the bass go to swim another day, many more, I hope. He named the bass Susie, after me, and we thought of her every time we went back to Arcadia. We never did see Susie again.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been back there, but my sister and brother-in-law now own the land and their kids and grandkids spend a lot of time at the lake. I’m just happy that more fond memories will continue to be made in Arcadia, Florida. I wonder if Susie’s offspring are still swimming in the lake almost 30 years later.
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Hi Susan,
I really enjoyed reading about “A Big Mouth Bass Named Susie”. As you described how you caught the Bass with your little Snoopy fishing pole, I could picture this scene in mind. You have made my day with a great laugh… Thank you.
Have a good day.
John
Thank you, John! I’m glad I could put a smile on your face. After all, it was your website http://toyfishingrod.com that inspired me 🙂