18 degrees - by flatfish46

It was bitter cold 18 degrees North wind as I pulled into the closed marina. It was midnight. I could barely feel My fingers as I walked back and forth as I thought why not!
I fumbled around trying to get a rod out of the boat I sunk the minnow about 6 foot down and lay the rod on the plank's to put My hands in my pocket's. The tip shot downward as reached to save my best piece of crappie gear. 2 hour's later I left with 25 crappie, the smallest was 1.5 lbs. with 2 over 3 lbs!
I brought my Mother and Father back the next night ,same thing different day. 2 fish shy of a 75 fish limit 8 fish over 3 lbs. I still see that smile on their face's though my Dad passed year's ago. I remember the night's he'd carry my Mother to the fishing dock with his Coleman trying to replicate what took place those cold nights long ago in 1981. The stillness of the night awoke me, it was 24 degrees as I got up to go out to the tent. It was cold, but it was a welcome shelter.
The motor fired in anticipation of a successful night's fishing. I guided the boat with ease as I rounded the corner of the neck to the main lake. I saw a lantern glow from the old fishing dock. I thought who could it be at 1:00 am. as I turned towards the glow I got excited remembering my youth hoping my dad would holler out any Luck! As I drew near I saw it wasn't him. I often stop while fishing these days and tell him this one is for you Dad ,I hope my Grandson does the same when he looks back.