A simple statement encompassing the passion of any American who loves fishing in Louisiana. Eight words I have shouted thousands of times with Capt. Barry Brechtel over the noisy outboard of our boat as we headed into the Louisiana marsh. One year ago this month Capt. Barry left us ahead of schedule, gone in seconds as he headed to Hopedale as he had for over twenty-five years in his “pursuit”.
As I reflect on the past year, I realize, despite the passion for fishing and love of the outdoors in my life, since Barry’s departure, I haven’t heard, spoken, or even thought about those precious eight words, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Speckled Trout.”
Change is a part of life, a year ago this month we had a different President, economic downtrends were only beginning to accelerate, Gustav had left a mess for most of the state’s coastal areas, the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Canal was a navigational waterway, and Capt. Barry was the author of this column.
Change is a constant in life; the choices we make each day are the variables. How we choose to treat our family and friends and the time we make to bring quality to our lives can often be difficult. Short-term urgencies often create regretful long-term results. Now there is a good chance you are asking yourself, why a sermon in a space for fishing stories and hot spots? The biggest reason is I believe the choice we make in remembering someone close to our hearts is important. For me, the greatest honor I can offer my lost friend is to celebrate the time he and I shared, from our first days out of college and into the real world, to our last days of working in a business that came from our hearts and not a classified ad.
Capt Barry was serious about life and that included the fun he had. In celebrating his life and the lives of others who enjoyed the outdoors, I invite you to join me for the initial blast-off, commencement, introduction, and grand opening of the inaugural, 1st annual, birth and induction of the Who Do You Love Inshore Invitational. The event is a dedication and celebration of lost loved ones who loved the outdoors.
This November 21st at the Breton Sound Marina you can enter fishing and hunting categories, take advantage of a boat wash as well as fish and duck cleaning services.
For those who don’t want to head out on the water, there will be a Sportsman’s Flea Market with a variety of fishing equipment, hunting stuff and more. We will have music, some arts and crafts, food, drinks and games for the kids. Most of all we will have fun.
The event is the week before Thanksgiving. Come celebrate and remember those whose time was spent in the outdoors while giving thanks and enjoying the friends and family we have today. At the same time we’ll do a little community good.
The Louisiana Wish To Fish non-profit group will raise funds for their effort to take kids fishing, while ticket purchases, raffles, and the goodwill of many friends will help to build the educational future of Capt. Barry’s three children. Donations to either are welcome.
More information can be found on FACEBOOK at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=149306046714
If you aren’t a FACEBOOK type I will have information on the BIGFISH web site www.theBIGFISH.net. A PDF of the flyer is available at: http://www.thebigfish.net/media/files/2/4/wdylflyer102309.pdf
You can also purchase tickets to the event on EBAY.com. Just search “fishing tickets” or go to item number 230385127707.
To find other locations for tickets, or if you have any questions Call Capt. CT @ 504-BIG-FISH.
The waters of life’s bayous move quickly. Come have a great time, bring friends and family. There will be something for everyone. Have a great day with great people, while honoring some great lives. See you there!