Schlep Away
I think it happened at the Newhallen River in Alaska this past summer. In the words of my friend and great philosopher JR Gates, "I think you have passed on the Schlep!" You may ask, what is this "schlep" you speak of. The schlep is a form of contracted sportsmans curse. It cannot be outgrown, outlasted, nor will expensive sure-bet outdoor trips even break it. It must be passed on... like a virus, or better yet, like a parasite.
I contracted the schlep nearly 10 years ago upon getting married. As most people who are aquainted with me know, I happen to possess an unusual amout of fishing knowledge, yet such fishing knowledge is mere mockery to the soul of one who doesnt ever catch anything. That has been my problem for the past 10 years.
Well, apparently things have changed. That fateful day on the Newhallen River was the day my schlep was passed on... since then I have enjoyed more historical fishing success. Unfortunately, someone got the schlep, and his name is Ken Flower. I pitty his soul.
You may ask, what token do you bring to show that the schlep has passed? I bring a new personal best carp catch today. Oh, do not mock! For I value the carp above all gamefish of the lower 48. My previous record was 18lbs from Lower Castaic. I caught it on a 8lb test line and a single kernal of corn fished on a #10 single hook.
Today, i went to my new-found water (a private hole which i cannot take visitors...sorry), armed with my new birthday present. An uglystick 6.5' medium action spinning rod with 4lb test ironsilk. I was using a #6 misquito hook with oatmeal and penutbutter as bait. After about 45 minutes there, I hooked and landed my first carp in a long-long-long time. It was super. My scale put it at 15 lbs, but my scale has not been used for that long-long time and i think it was more like 18lbs. I was happy as a clam. The wind came up, i was considering a quick retreat home in time for dinner, when fish #2 bit. She fought a lot less, but when she surfaced, I could tell she would be my new record. I yelled at a guy for some assistance, who in the end, snapped these pics for me. This thing was huge. Only 2/3 of the fish fit in my landing net. My landing "partner" Jermey saw it and spun an uncontrollable string of explatives. So, my new record now stands at 24lbs.
The first two pics are of the 15lb fish
The last 3 are of the 24lb fish
ps. I think Jeremy "i took your picture" guy might come to church at Northpoint in the near future. Pray for him.
All joking aside, I am really thankful for the Lord's "lesser blessings"... like catching a few fish. It is again... kindness to me that comes from the Cross.
I contracted the schlep nearly 10 years ago upon getting married. As most people who are aquainted with me know, I happen to possess an unusual amout of fishing knowledge, yet such fishing knowledge is mere mockery to the soul of one who doesnt ever catch anything. That has been my problem for the past 10 years.
Well, apparently things have changed. That fateful day on the Newhallen River was the day my schlep was passed on... since then I have enjoyed more historical fishing success. Unfortunately, someone got the schlep, and his name is Ken Flower. I pitty his soul.
You may ask, what token do you bring to show that the schlep has passed? I bring a new personal best carp catch today. Oh, do not mock! For I value the carp above all gamefish of the lower 48. My previous record was 18lbs from Lower Castaic. I caught it on a 8lb test line and a single kernal of corn fished on a #10 single hook.
Today, i went to my new-found water (a private hole which i cannot take visitors...sorry), armed with my new birthday present. An uglystick 6.5' medium action spinning rod with 4lb test ironsilk. I was using a #6 misquito hook with oatmeal and penutbutter as bait. After about 45 minutes there, I hooked and landed my first carp in a long-long-long time. It was super. My scale put it at 15 lbs, but my scale has not been used for that long-long time and i think it was more like 18lbs. I was happy as a clam. The wind came up, i was considering a quick retreat home in time for dinner, when fish #2 bit. She fought a lot less, but when she surfaced, I could tell she would be my new record. I yelled at a guy for some assistance, who in the end, snapped these pics for me. This thing was huge. Only 2/3 of the fish fit in my landing net. My landing "partner" Jermey saw it and spun an uncontrollable string of explatives. So, my new record now stands at 24lbs.
The first two pics are of the 15lb fish
The last 3 are of the 24lb fish
ps. I think Jeremy "i took your picture" guy might come to church at Northpoint in the near future. Pray for him.
All joking aside, I am really thankful for the Lord's "lesser blessings"... like catching a few fish. It is again... kindness to me that comes from the Cross.
posted by Madburns at 9:10 PM
7 Comments:
The Schlep is not like the mono virus which can only be passed through kissing...just in case anyone is wondering how I got it. If anyone knows of someone who would not mind receiving this virus, please contact myself or Scott. I am more than happy to pass it on. I need a good dose of "Thera-Schlep".
Nice goldfish. I was thinking, I might be a shlep-positive carrier as I have never actually come down with full-blown symptoms myself, but have been with several of you as you have contracted it...
Hmmmm, maybe I should go fishing with Flower sometime and see if i am immune to the the Schlep....
By the way, were you listening to fishing tips on your IPOD when you caught that fish?
Pretty Impressive Scott. Since I have known you I don't think you have caught a fish. I take that back you did catch a minnow once. JUST KIDDING!! NICE CATCH!
Well done, Burns.
Congratulations.
Do carp make for good eating?
When's your "Schlep" going to be lifted from trap shooting? ;)
Did you just make a sermon out of a 24 lb carp?
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