Dating : ‘Hooked’ on Fishing!

Most might enjoy the accomplished sensation as you reel back the fishing line and observe as a rich, multicoloured creature arises from the surface of the water, but that creature usually unaware that it will soon be the highlight of someone’s next meal. Some may frown upon fishing due to it being considered murdering of an innocent animal. However, for some people like Somchai, fishing is all they have, and it may just be the sole thing that brings them contentment and balance to their destitute lifestyle.

Somchai, only nine years old, hardly found interest in common hobbies that boys his age enjoyed. Additionally, Somchai was reluctant to pursue his school education even though being repeatedly advised by his parents to study hard and move out of their impoverished village one day, and hopefully even become a successful businessman in the city. Although not adhering to his parents’ advice, Somchai was determined to engage in one pastime activity he found both enjoyable and required the rare skills he possessed; this was fishing. Somchai being desperate for a way to escape from the troubles and issues he faced at both school and home, found fishing as being the light at the end of the tunnel, losing himself in the wonder of what type of creature could arise from the waters next.

Somchai sat impatiently in his prosaic tarnished chair, gazing up at the clock that hung on the classroom wall, waiting for the minute hand to move once more to release him from the grasps of school rules and captivity. Then, just as Somchai heard the raucous ringing of the bells, he instantaneously rushed out of the classroom and ran straight home. He then got changed, grabbed his finishing gear and accompanied by his loyal best friend, Arthit, they avidly set off to the fishing pond where they would spend the rest of their afternoon together, fishing.

These two young boys knew almost all there was to know about fishing as it had been a part of them since they were relatively young. Introduced to this traditional village position by their fathers, who were both experienced fishermen, Somchai and Arthit both wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps. Not only was it an enjoyable activity for them, but it also benefitted the village and their families as freshly caught fish was a delectable meal for all.

Somchai glanced at a log futilely sticking out into the middle of the pond but elevated so that it provided seating. Arthit carrying a traditional fish basket woven with bamboo strips, raced ahead to grab a banana leaf that he spotted lying near the log, Somchai thought it was for no purposeful reason, but Arthit had a motive in mind. Somchai, barefooted, ambled towards the log carrying his lengthy fighting rod, taking time to observe every rock and twig that pressed underneath his feet. Somchai sat down on the edge of the slippery log, followed by Arthit, and they both glanced out into the tranquil green water pond, surrounded by the endless magnificent nature. Somchai cautiously lowed the fishing line into the motionless water and observed as tiny aquatic organisms gracefully swam past. Somchai could sense a light breeze signifying possible rain; Arthit held the banana leaf above their heads as an umbrella to prepare for possible showers.

Suddenly, Somchai noticed a slight ripple adjacent to where the fishing line had been inserted into the water. Consequently, he then promptly held on tight; that was when he felt the fishing line being dragged down into the depths of the water; immediately, Somchai reacted by heaving the rod back and watched as a bright, colourful figure emerged from the surface of the water. It was a FISH!