The Last Fishermen

In addition to fishing reports for the Lake Erie area, I would like to include historical accounts of the last true fishermen of the Lake Erie region. What I mean by this are what are known as The Bucket Fisherman or The Old Timers. These are the true great ones. As I head out to the piers for spring perch season I am fascinated by these people. They are an aging population. Loosing numbers steadily. What I have come to notice is as I sit on the piers that I am in a small minority of younger anglers. The overwhelming majority of fisherman lining up to chase the perch schools are well over 70 years of age. I am in my mid 30's and am basically alone in my age group. These "Old Timers", I give the utmost respect for. They are a distinct population. Hearty, able to bear subfreezing Lake Erie temperatures, they have a certain unmatched passion for fishing. At first it was hard to be "accepted" by the group I call the Last Fisherman. They would crowd their buckets, avoid confrontation, and keep to themselves. But after my "proving" my self worth as an avid angler, willing to bear the same elements of weather and hardships on the pier, I gradually became a part of the local gang. I look up to them and respect them as my elders and mentors in the fishing arena. I cherish every moment as I sit beside them on the piers and share in conversation. I now realize they are the most dedicated fisherman one could ever encounter. Hearts of gold and stories endlessly to share, I feel they, too, also like my companionship. When I leave my driveway in the morning, still dark from early morning, I wonder who I will share my morning with. Who will delight me with real and vibrant stories of Erie's past. I only hope other young anglers will take to the sport of bucket fishing. I can honestly see myself alone on the pier in just a few short years. In upcoming blogs, I hope to reveal some of their stories and the passion they have for the sport of fishing. I sincerely hope others do share an interest in this amazing historical piece of Lake Erie fishing.