Stephen J Speak

Author, Cricket Player, Soccer Coach, Teacher, Guinness-Lover, Father and Friend

A collections of fishing stories.

Everybody loves a good fishing story. Catch has ten fishing stories that are as reflective as they are memorable. In vivid, unforgettable detail, these stories recount the emotional, spiritual and tangible adventures of stalking fish all over the world. From the infamous Snake River valley in rural Idaho to the sub-tropical mangroves of Queensland, Australia these stories convey a rich variety of backdrops, not to mention a colorful canvas of characters along the way.

Enjoy this piece of fish tale-

First Fish

I was a goner. I was done. This was my last swansong; heading as so many had gone before to an unceremonious death next to chips and peas on a greasy plate. But in that instant, in that fleeting moment, my thoughts totally changed. Instead of feeling like a fish supper, I felt prized. I felt like I had done something good. Not just good but worthy - really worthy.

As my life flashed before me I saw the boy's eyes. He held me aloft and treasured me like a gold medal. I felt so wonderfully important in the eyes of a child. In all my short years in the brook I had never felt this euphoric. After all, I was this boy's first fish. I was special.

I remember gasping for water, but in a strange way I was floating. I stopped wiggling and lay in his soft warm palm confident in the notion that I had made a difference in the life of this child. I was content. I was whole with the feeling of doing something worthwhile. It was a contentment that the carp in the millpond would never feel.

"Can I take him home? Can I, please Dad?"

Insert picture of Stephen and Neph fishing to the right