BloIt’s summertime in the Finger Lakes, and for my family, that means Dad is just itching to get out on a lake with his fishing pole in the water. When I look out on Seneca Lake, I am inevitably reminded of the many excursions of the past.

From my youngest years, I can remember Dad taking us to Lodi Point State Park where we could fish right off the shore. Dad was always so excited that we couldn’t help catching onto the thrill of reeling in “the big one” in (which, for us kids, meant the tiny fish that could serve for Dad’s bait).

After my family obtained a boat, the excitement was increased to even greater heights. Even though the drive to Seneca Lake was filled with expectancy, the boat launch was always the best part of the adventure because we were at the peak of anticipation. Sometimes, if I was lucky, Dad would let me hold one of the ropes and guide the boat off of the trailer and into the deeper waters. Then we were off, skimming over the lake, looking for the perfect fishing spot. Once Dad found exactly the spot that he was looking for, we would bring out the fishing poles and prepare for a day of fun and relaxation.

Memories that will stay with me forever are the little things. Dad would bait my hook as I cringed at the sight of the squirming worm. Then, I always seemed to cast my line ten times before I got it right, inevitably scaring all the fish away. I would anticipate every movement of my bobber in hopes of catching a fish. Then, of course, the best moments were when I realized that I had actually caught one. However, Dad would usually end up grabbing me and my pole before the fish pulled me into the water. And of course, Dad would always take my fish off of my hook because I refused to touch that wet, ugly thing.

Though we didn’t always come away with “the big one”, the best part about the experience was enjoying time spent with family on an idyllic lake.

 Renee Cooper