by Big Wave Dave » August 10, 2015, 7:55 am
I remember a very exciting day back in 1976(at the age of 8) when my Mom, Dad, brother and I, launched a rebuilt baby blue tri-hull bow rider that we had brought back to life in the back yard. Upon hitting the waters of the Black River in Lorain the motor fired right up and we commenced up river. I was very excited and the excitement only got more intense when we pulled aside the James R Barker being built at the American Ship yard in Lorain. I was able to pound on the side of the Ship and wonder how Great in was to see a ship come to life.
As we headed up river towards the steel plant I remember my eyes watering because of the pollution in the air, I swear I can still smell the sulfur. Anyway, we had some bait and our poles so we drop our lines into the Black River. Well, I'll be dammed if my brother didn't catch a Baby Gar!! To this day I'm amazed that Prehistoric looking fish was living the river. Great memory.
Today the shipyard is long gone, the steel plant is running with a skeleton crew and the air is cleaner. The river has become a wonderful place to canoe, kayak and fish, but I haven't hooked a Gar. My hope is that my daughter is with me when we do!!
Have a Great Day!!
I remember a very exciting day back in 1976(at the age of 8) when my Mom, Dad, brother and I, launched a rebuilt baby blue tri-hull bow rider that we had brought back to life in the back yard. Upon hitting the waters of the Black River in Lorain the motor fired right up and we commenced up river. I was very excited and the excitement only got more intense when we pulled aside the James R Barker being built at the American Ship yard in Lorain. I was able to pound on the side of the Ship and wonder how Great in was to see a ship come to life.
As we headed up river towards the steel plant I remember my eyes watering because of the pollution in the air, I swear I can still smell the sulfur. Anyway, we had some bait and our poles so we drop our lines into the Black River. Well, I'll be dammed if my brother didn't catch a Baby Gar!! To this day I'm amazed that Prehistoric looking fish was living the river. Great memory.
Today the shipyard is long gone, the steel plant is running with a skeleton crew and the air is cleaner. The river has become a wonderful place to canoe, kayak and fish, but I haven't hooked a Gar. My hope is that my daughter is with me when we do!!
Have a Great Day!!