Fishing Connection

Howdy, Neighbor. People have been telling Phil he’s a good storyteller for a long time… so we are trying something new and pretty-much non-sales Just sharing occasional sweet stories, tall tales, and life lessons learned around these parts. Northwoods Notes are a new, semi-bi-irregular peek into the heart and mind of Phil Frasier… you can read or listen… whichever you prefer… and you are receiving a copy because you’re a current customer of Frasier’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc. We think you’ll like them, but you can unsubscribe any time by clicking on the link at the bottom. But we hope you give us a chance!

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I can’t even remember how I first connected with Chuck.

I’m pretty sure we met while volunteering for a non-profit organization called “The Way Outfitters.” Chuck and I helped by taking disabled children and veterans on hunting and fishing trips.

Anyway, the founder of The Way Outfitters and I got to talking about fishing one day, and he told me that Chuck had never caught a muskie. So we arranged for him to come to the Northwoods.

Chuck was super friendly… and he was an amazing fisherman.

He didn’t just catch his first muskie on that trip. He also caught his second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh muskie, too.

He tried to pay me for my time, but I wouldn’t take his money. So he went up to a shop in Eagle River and bought me a Curado low-profile casting reel.

I had my doubts about the reel, but Chuck said, “Believe me, you’re gonna like this.”

He was right. That reel singlehandedly changed fishing for me. Casting was so much more comfortable and effortless. So smooth… and no backlash.

That was my first Curado reel. And I’ve bought four more since.

Chuck was a generous fella. But what really struck me was Chuck’s transparency. Out on the lake, he shared the story of his life.

He told me about his victories… his regrets… and what he would do over, if given the chance.

He talked about pride… and how his got in the way during some pivotal moments in his young life. Had he been a bit more humble, things might have turned out different.

He wasn’t complaining. His life turned out pretty good.

After we finished fishing, he played guitar with the kids. And sang and played the piano with Megan.

Turns out, before he became successful in his career, Chuck used to travel around to churches in a hearse and sing for his supper.

That was a memorable day. I enjoyed listening to his stories about the many lessons he’s learned in life.

I guess you could say Chuck and I made a real connection. Which is only fitting since he was the host of The Love Connection.

Yep. That Chuck. Chuck Woolery.

He’s just a normal guy…and one heck of a fisherman.

This Saturday is the official opening of fishing season here in the Northwoods. It’s a good day to take someone with you out on the lake. A friend, a kid, or someone you just met who’s never caught a muskie.

You never know what kind of connection you might make.

Take care, neighbor. Take good care.

P.S. – Did you know the only Emmy award Chuck Woolery ever won was for his fishing show? I told you he was a heck of a fisherman.