By Keturah Smith
Fishing poles and Michelob’s can be a man’s best friend for many, but for one fisherman the beauty of nature itself can replace a cold drink.
21-year-old John Thomas, a biology student at Grambling State University, started throwing hooks at 5 years old when his grandparents showed him a fishing derby.
“The event was for the youth on this specific day, I was amazed at how they prep the lakes and placed fishing nets in the water so the fish couldn’t escape,” Thomas said.
Furthermore, as he got older, Thomas realized the beauty behind fishing which is patience and loving the peace around him.
“I have to sit out there and wait; I can’t force a fish to bite a hook,” Thomas said. “It’s not like basketball when you have to practice, but with fishing it’s a waiting game with a cheat code of enjoying the trees.”
Also, while waiting for a lucky catch, his favorite fish to hunt is perch and catfish.
“The biggest I caught was a catfish that was about over a foot long maybe two — I don’t want to exaggerate but it was huge,” Thomas said.
Nevertheless, a gigantic fish needs a proper fishing pole. For Thomas, his favorite mechanism is a closed reel pole. It helps with the string and seeing the system better.
“I use open reels before, but I like the close reel fishing poles because I’m not a sports fisher as well,” Thomas said.
Since there’s no competition to be on time at, the early bird gets the worm. Thomas describes morning fishing as purity, whole, and still.
“You can go whenever, but when the sun is coming up, that’s the best time,” Thomas said. “It gives organic vibes that I can connect to that helps me fish better.”
He goes on to explain that morning fishing comes with benefits such as a cool water temperature and low light from the sun. This gives Thomas better confidence before he throws the hook.
Furthermore, to fulfill his benefits for fishing and peace, Thomas attends certain lakes such as Lincoln Parish Park, Grambling Pond and anyone with a body of water so he can have his fun.
“If I didn’t have fishing I would be upset, what else I’m supposed to ease my mind with other than music,” Thomas said. “Fishing is my best friend, I can’t lose that.”
