Alabama’s Fishing Gold Mine

Recently, my son decided to take me on a trip to show his gratitude for my efforts in getting him through law school.  A very fine gesture that makes one feel proud to be a father and even prouder of his children.  I thought it might be nice to incorporate some fishing into the trip, I had taken my son fishing a number of times when he was little, and this might have a nice bit of nostalgia to it.  Besides, going fishing is one of the finer things that a father can do with his children (hiking is another, of course).  So, we set off on this three-day male bonding adventure, ok, that doesn’t sound right, let’s just say father-son adventure.

After a 10-hour drive from my residence, we arrived on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.  It is a beautiful coastline although it can be a little touristy (one of the locals referred to it as “The Redneck Riviera”).  However, the gulf coast is famous for good fishing and has some of the best grouper fish (but because of mercury levels, you don’t eat it often) and snapper and triggerfish in the world.  However, on this trip, we decided to do some freshwater fishing and use the gulf for beach time.  The area is dotted with freshwater lakes that have a full array of the most popular fish.

We sought out a store where we could procure the necessary bait and license to achieve our fishing goals.  Of course, as in any city of any size, we found the famous store with the “everyday discounts” and they have all your fishing needs.  So, after collecting the necessary rations for our trip, we headed to the sporting goods counter to get our fishing license.  I inquired about the price of an out-of-state/visitor license and was informed that the only license available to out-of-state visitors was an 8-day tag for $38.  8-days, why not 7-days or even just 2 days?  We were only going to fish the one day then do the beach thing with some adult beverages for the remaining two days.

Who the hell goes on a fishing trip or vacation for 8 days?  So, forced to purchase an 8-day license, my son went first giving the counter person his drivers license (state of Kentucky) and the associate got him all setup.  Then it was my turn, I handed him my license (Missouri), which as it turns doesn’t work well in Alabama.  So, after two different associates and numerous attempts they could not get my license to work in their state and issue me an 8-day pass (still boggles my mind).  In frustration, we gave up, I told my son that I would just tag along for the ride and enjoy the weather and be his fishing caddie or tour guide or whatever.

Well, after finding what would be our digs for the next three days, my son decided to use his tablet (you know those things with the piece of fruit on it) and look up the fines for fishing without a license in Alabama.  After careful study, we come to find out that the fines were $20.  Are you freaking kidding me?  So, I can fish my one day and even if I get caught, I am still up 18 bucks!  After a really good laugh, we decided that it would be worth the risk and to not worry about it any further.  Man, what a scheme this whole deal is, Don Vito Corleone would have been proud—–I gotta deal you can’t refuse; you wanna fishah for one day, you payah for 8!

We determined that Alabama likes to have fun with numbers, such as the slow speed limit around the state park of 26 mph.  Seriously, it is 26 miles per hour.  My guess would be that this is their idea of humor after hosing your ass for an 8-day, $38 fishing license to fish for one day.  Well, we didn’t have much luck that day fishing as storms had done a murky number on the water and nothing was hitting.  A word to the wise; before taking fishing trips research license costs.  I tell you this though, we have a great fishing tale about the one that got away—$38 dollars for an 8-day fishing license, crazy!

Talk to Ya Later

The Grumpy Old Fart Customer @2019 All Rights Reserved