Fish Are Starving! Let’s Go, Great Angler!
Start of the Day: Nightmares & a Fishing Fix
Ugh, that recurring nightmare again! Every year around exam season to October, I get this dream where I’m stuck repeating the same grade—refusing two colleges, choosing my graduation school instead, but waking up back in 2008. July 2008, right? I’d still say no to those two schools. But hey, at least I woke up to sunshine today! That warm, “I need to fish now” feeling hit me like a tackle box full of hooks.
Let me tell you, I’ve been skunked (that’s fishing lingo for catching nothing) all month straight. But you can’t break my “feeding the fish” spirit! The only thing that could stop me? This beat-up body that’s still recovering from… well, let’s just say it’s been a rough five years. But today? Today, I’m going fishing. No ifs, ands, or buts. Just me, my gear, and the lake that’s probably starving for bait.
Prepping for the Big Chase: Gear & Game Plan
First, let’s get real about the gear. My trusty rod? The Zhulu Leisure 6.3m—it’s been through thick and thin. Line setup? Homemade main line 4.0, subline 2.0, and 12/0 Marusei hooks (those bad boys are sharp!). Floats? Dayu Wang LW10, size 3—I’m switching between 6:4 to 4:4, depending on the water.
Baits? Oh, I’ve got homemade weird corn (don’t ask, it’s my secret recipe), corn cake, and fresh corn. Target fish? Grass carp, bream, carp, and pike. Water depth? 1.2 meters. Location? Shalian Lake. Simple enough: grab my gear, head out, and fish!
The Road to Shalian Lake: A Desolate Journey
Man, rural life is weird these days. Back in the day, this farm district had schools, hospitals, and bustling crowds. Now? It’s like a ghost town. Only a few faces during Spring Festival, if you’re lucky. I used to joke with friends: “You’ll barely see anyone you know unless it’s New Year’s.” Life’s funny like that.
The drive to the lake? A series of “challenges.” First, a stretch that felt like climbing a mountain. Then another. Ugh, my legs are still shaking from the effort. But hey, nothing stops a determined angler, right? Even if the road is a pain, I’m here for the catch.
Arriving at the Lake: Setup & First Cast
Finally, I made it! Time to set up camp. First, the umbrella—sun’s brutal today. Then my gear: rod, reel, bait. I started with a couple of my homemade corn baits to test the waters. No rush, just get the vibe right.
Let’s talk about the lake’s condition. The manager just stopped by and said, “No fish here, buddy—prepare to be skunked.” Oh, he’s wrong! I’ve got the magic corn, right? I threw in some corn cake and fresh corn to make a little “fish party”—the water’s gonna smell like a summer BBQ for them!
The Battle: Fish Are Starving, But So Am I
Wait, the lake’s water level dropped by half a meter! Now it’s 1.2m deep. The fish must be hiding in the weeds, right? I tried floating fishing, but with the heat, my line kept tangling. Not fun. And the fish? They’re jumping everywhere, but they’re not coming to my spot. Typical—like they’re avoiding me on purpose.
Oh, and I forgot my cigarettes! That’s the worst. The manager offered a smoke, but I had nothing. Guess I’m stuck with just the lake and my thoughts. I’ve been through depression, social anxiety—you name it. But fishing? It’s my lifeline. I can’t talk much, but writing these posts? It’s my way of connecting. Even if it’s just me and the fish, I’m not alone.
Poetry in Fishing: A Little Improv
Alright, since I’m feeling poetic (thanks, two-and-a-half years of fishing training!), here’s my on-the-spot poem:
- “One cast, another cast,”
- “Each cast is hope in the past,”
- “You take a bite,”
- “And I’ll send you a little fate.”
Okay, maybe it’s not Shakespeare, but it’s honest. Fish, if you’re reading this (you’re probably not), eat the corn! I’ve been dying to catch something, anything. Maybe a grass carp? Or a bream? Just… something!
Finally! A Bite and a Small Victory
After what felt like forever, the float moved! Top, top, top, then it dipped and dragged away. I struck! The fight was short but sweet—my 6.3m rod bent like a boomerang, but I pulled it in. A small grass carp, maybe 3 pounds? Still, it’s a win! No more skunking for me today!
I’m not sure if it’s the best fish, but it’s proof my homemade corn works. The manager was wrong—there are fish! Just needed a little patience. And maybe a better attitude. But hey, the lake’s fed, and I’m fed—with pride, not just fish.
Closing Thoughts: Fishing Is My Lifeline
Today wasn’t perfect. My body’s still tired, the road was rough, and the lake’s not exactly teeming with giants. But I caught a fish, shared my story, and felt alive. Maybe that’s what it’s all about—fishing isn’t just about the catch. It’s about the fight, the memories, and the moments when you realize you’re still here, still going. I might not be a CEO anymore (thanks, stupid illness), but I’m a fisherman who’s got the will to keep trying.
Who knows? Maybe tomorrow I’ll catch a bigger one. Until then, I’ll keep writing, keep fishing, and keep chasing those starving fish. Life’s too short to be skunked—even if the lake is. Catch you on the other side, anglers! 🎣
