Happy 50 Years of Fishing

I asked Rick to write the first blog for his new website. The focus of the blog was going to be about his 50 years of fishing anniversary in 2024.

A week went by, then another week went by, and then a few more weeks went by. Normally, he’s very responsive to my requests, but he was strangely unmotivated.

I started paying attention to his mood, and it didn’t take long to realize that he is struggling. This big anniversary is definitely overwhelming him.

When we first started counting the years, and realizing this huge anniversary was approaching, Rick asked me not to tell anyone. He wanted the year to go by without anyone knowing. I just couldn’t fathom that. I am blown away by how long he’s been fishing competitively and I truly wanted him to receive recognition. Him not so much.

If any of you really know my husband, you know he is shy. When we first met, he told me a story about getting called on in class. Apparently he was so shy as a child that he cried when the teacher would ask him questions in front of the other students. If you look at pictures of him as a kid, you can see it in his eyes. He’s never completely comfortable with lots of attention. I also feel he’s afraid this season will be emotional for him and showing emotion has never been something he’s comfortable with.

Rick admits he wasn’t very good at sports growing up. He felt like he was a bit of a disappointment to his father who wanted him to be an athlete. Until he discovered competitive fishing in his mid-20s, Rick had never really ever excelled at anything his father deemed important. The feeling he got when things were going right on the water, the ability to spend time in nature, and finally having something and his life that provided a feeling of accomplishment was a game changer. He dove in and gave it everything he had. And to be frank, I think he still does.

That super skinny little kid who never felt adequate in a sports arena was now a skinny adult dominating in the fishing arena. I listen to people who knew him in his 30s tell me about the laser focus he exhibited. The intensity, the single minded pursuit.

During a visit to our ranch several years ago, Stacey King told me ,”Rick was always a little “different “”. I had to laugh, because I knew exactly what he meant. Rick is sensitive, despises confrontation, and could be perceived as selfish , that is, unless you know are incredibly generous he can be. But when it comes to his life and his passion, he would never let anything or anyone stand in his way. Ricks family and close friends know this. It’s something you have to learn to accept when you love someone like Rick. Those who have something in their life they love as much as Rick loves competitive bass fishing. It’s who he is, and I would never forgive myself if I ever did anything to interfere with that. The gift of knowing exactly what you want to do with your life, and getting to do it is an incredible concept to me. I honestly feel lucky to live with, and witness someone like him. He isn’t perfect, he’s human, but some of the qualities he possesses are downright incredible.

I guess the point I’m trying to get to is, it’s OK to be a complicated human being. It’s OK to be uncomfortable with the spotlight, but still want to succeed with every fiber of your being. It’s OK to get emotional when something touches you deep down inside. It’s a benefit to be different, not a detriment.

Even though it’s impossible for me to speak for him. I do know that I am married to a human being, who looks at this 50 years of Fishing anniversary with so much amazement and gratitude that it’s almost impossible to express. I know he never dreamed when he started that his career would last this long. I know he’s thankful for his health that allows him to continue to work incredibly hard on the water. I know he’s thankful for the ability to connect with nature in a way very few other people have the time to do. I’ve heard him express so many times how grateful he is for the people he has met throughout his journey. All the different prototypes of human beings that have showed him it’s your character, that matters. Not who you are, or what you have monetarily. And I think most of all, he’s thankful for the lessons he’s learned about how to be a decent human being. You can strive for what you want and succeed. It doesn’t have to be at the expense of other people.

Rick has a story about Forrest Woods that I’m going to ask him to share as his first blog. It will explain his philosophy about using other people in your career. Keep an eye out for it, I’ll keep pestering him until he writes it.

Please be patient with my husband during this 50 year celebration. He’s not a “pump his fists and yell “ kind of guy when he celebrates. He takes it all in, marinates on it, and his outward expression may not change a lot. But if there’s a grin on his face, ( or he raises his eyebrows) I guarantee you he’s feeling the love on the inside.

Thank you to everyone who’s taking the time to read this. Thank you to all the people that genuinely care about Rick’s accomplishments from the past, and in his future. Thank you for every positive thought that has been directed his way over the years. We are grateful, we are blessed, we feel the love.

Happy “50 years of Fishing” to my amazing husband. You drive me crazy, but I love you with all my heart.