Since I quickly suppressed the urge to carve a crude wooden spear for fear I would promptly skewer a foot, and since I believe it is illegal these days to spear fish anyhow, I opted to purchase a fresh and saltwater fishing license and stay within the bounds of safety for all involved. I had most of the tackle anyhow, so all I really needed was the license. It'd be a lot cheaper than buying it at the grocery store, so I thought. A whimsy of a small boat and electric motor floated through my brain before my better sense kicked in. That wouldn't reduce the price of a fish any.
At least I could keep up part of the tradition. When I was a little squirt I was the one that usually caught the most and biggest fish in the family's fishing forays. I have noticed, however, that my son has been doing pretty well for himself and has probably taken over that honor. It's my turn to reclaim my former prowess.
"What's the damage," I asked. "FIFTY-TWO BUCKS!?! Does that come with a spear and bandages?"