Never too old for school

As an outdoor photographer and writer, I have savored the opportunity to participate in experiences unsurpassed. I’ve watched on as biologists have darted and gathered data on black bears; captured and attached transmitters to bats; electrofished for walleyes and extracted their eggs; surgically inserted transmitters into timber rattlers; and let’s not forget about the time when we entered a cave and they gathered data on western slimy salamanders and their clutches of eggs.

Then there are the many destinations I have visited throughout this great state. I’ve kicked around in this state from corner to corner, and have spent countless hours fishing and hunting in the name of “work.”

Although the aforementioned perks are more than enough to deem my occupation as the “dream job,” I have not yet mentioned what I probably enjoy most. With many of my endeavors comes the opportunity to meet people.

Some are interesting; some are eccentric, some are pleasant; and sadly enough, there are even a select few that I hope to never see again. All-in-all however, I’ve enjoyed practically every outing with these professionals, and appreciate their willingness to include me in their endeavors just about any time I ask to tag along.

I am most blessed, though, that several of these people, over time, have become my friends. I can still recall my first encounter with Bobby Murray well. To say I was nervous would prove somewhat of an understatement.

I was on the verge of spending a day on the water with a two-time Bass Master Classic winner and a fella who had made a living in the fishing industry probably 50 years. Although confident in my fishing skills, I was obviously out of my league. But would I even consider turning down the opportunity to fish with Bobby? Heck no!

Well, as it turned out, our fishing trip went well. And despite my knowledge, or lack thereof, Bobby invited me to go again. As time progressed, he and I continued to fish together and have become good friends.

It was through Bobby that I met yet another angler whose name is well-known throughout the bass fishing world. That’s right; I’m referring to his twin brother, Billy. Billy has also spent a lifetime in the fishing industry. His fishing career came to fruition more than 50 years ago as a guide.

He, too, has experienced his fair share of success in the realm of tournament fishing. His byline has graced many articles and books, and he has hosted a slew of well-known fishing shows.

He is responsible for designing several of the fishing lures that we use today and fathered the Bass Fishing Institute, the nation’s largest fishing education program.

The program began in 1975 and was produced at Indiana State University. He has taught an excess of 30,000 students at 19 major universities, as well as at the 1982 Bass Master Classic.

So what was I to say when Billy recently invited me to attend one of his classes? Of course I would. What angler in their right state of mind would turn down an opportunity to learn from a man whose contributions to the sport had landed him positions in both the Sport Fish and Bass Fishing Halls of Fame?

The class started with a short walk to the water’s edge. Billy had located a couple of nesting bass the day before and took advantage of the opportunity to share several interesting and helpful facts about this specific species’ habits during the annual spawn.

Returning to the classroom, I was somewhat curious about what lay in store. Well, let me tell you. I spent the next four hours soaking in information that will positively improve my skills.

I left the class with a new understanding of the habits of bass and several techniques that would surely up my odds of catching them. Of course, there will be times when they simply refuse to bite. But I’m anxiously awaiting the opportunity to try my hand during conditions when it is hardest to catch fish. And I’m most excited that I might be more skillful at my all-time favorite sport.