Little fish

Question was, "Shirley, what do you do at the floathouse? Read?"

Well yes, I do read and eat, then I work on things. Something always needs attention.

One day this summer I noticed one of my chairs that I keep in the water, between the dock and the bank, had slipped under the dock over winter. I decided I should try to get it out of there. It was in bad shape.

I put on my swimsuit and my Sketchers and jumped in. I was tugging and pulling, almost getting it out but not managing to get it completely out. I even got on the dock and pushed with all my leg strength.

About that time I noticed a 10-inch trout, so I reached for it, thinking the fish was dead, but he flipped his tail. I began investigating why it was sticking around with that old chair in the first place. I noticed an orange blob in his mouth, secured by a very large fish hook and fish line.

"Well, that won't do," I said. I manipulated the orange blob and it hit water without the hook and line. I then looked into the fish's throat to figure out how to remove the hook. I said to the fish, "Now, if I try to get that hook, you won't bite me, will you?"

The little guy remained still. I put my left finger and thumb at the edge of his mouth, opening it. He didn't move. I then got a good hold of the hook and wiggled it loose. I placed the hook on the dock, then gave my attention back to the little critter.

He didn't move. I told him, "You can do it," then put him under water. Still nothing. I then gave his little body a couple of squeezes. He wiggled and I let go. Off he went - still very much alive. I believe he stayed still so much for me because he had given up and was exhausted.

I still see him in my mind's eye and feel love. Can you believe that, for a fish? I then returned my attention to the lounge chair and proceeded to struggle with it. Finally noticed a very large chain and hook intertwined into the chair. Once I had wiggled it all free, the chair, just like the fish, was free. I guess the fish and the chair were in the same pickle - hooked.

True story; this happened in July to Shirley Freeman at Moscow Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene.