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PAGE 2B THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2008 Outdoors With Skipper A memorable Father's Day present M y eighty-nine-year- old dad from Tampa, Florida has been up here visiting with us for a cou ple of weeks. Dad loves to fish and naturally I inherited that desire from him taking me fishing as a youngster. We had gone to Lake Lanier to fish on Lance Herrin’s pontoon boat, and had a great time of visiting and sharing stories, but not a single fish was caught while trolling. I mentioned this to David Martin, and he said “Why don’t you bring him to my pond and we will put him onto some cat fish?” Sounded like a good idea to me as well as to dad. Heading over to David’s one evening last week, we helped dad get onto the dock and into a fold- ing chair. It wasn’t too long before he had one on. It turned out to be around a two pounder. The next few casts brought the same results, three more two pound fish. David said he had seen some around fifteen pounds or so. I was hoping for a big one for dad and so was David. Then it happened, when the hook was set, a big one came to the surface way out in the pond. This was no two pounder. It was a ‘big ‘un.’ Dad was fighting it as he brought it closer and clos- er to the dock. As we figured might happen, it wrapped the line around a piling. Without hesitation, David’s teenage son Winford, took off his shoes, emptied his pockets, and headed into the water. Carefully moving the rod and reel around the piling, Winford was able to free up the big fish. Knowing that an attempt to lift it up to the dock would result in losing the fish, it was worked toward the shore. The estimated 11-pounder was secured, and a couple of pictures taken. David suggested I hold the fish to feel about the weight, as I stuck my thumb in his mouth, he decided to clamp down. That didn’t feel too good. First time I have been bitten by a catfish. I wondered about those fellows that go “ noodling,” catching the big ones with their bare hands. Dad was tickled with the entire outing and all that took place. My wife had suggested that we have his picture made into an 8x10 and give it to him for Father’s day in a nice frame. On Saturday, Dad asked how you blow up a picture, I told him, but couldn’t let on that we had already done it. Handing the picture to him on Father’s day, he was all smiles. Now, he has a great picture to take back home and share with his friends. Another great memory to cher ish, and thanks to David for helping it happen. If you have an outdoors story, give me a call. Skipper Smith is an outdoors columnist for The Banks County News. His column appears weekly. Let him know about your hunting or fishing adventure at 706-677-1520. A PRIZE CATCH Skipper Smith's dad, left, along with David Martin show off this prize catfish from a recent outing. lj skipper smith Diamond Leopards honored SUCCESSFUL SPRING The Banks County High School varsity baseball team returned to the state playoffs for the first time since 2001 this season. Players were honored for their accomplishments at a recent ban quet. Earning awards were, seated, from left, Jeff Smith, Zack Dale and Tyler Hulsey; standing, from left, Alex Gailey, Justin Gibbs, Kasey Hudgins, Tyler McEntire and Chris Porter. Photos by Chris Bridges JUNIOR VARSITY LEOPARDS Jessy Hudgins, Jason Sexton and Andrew Berry, from left, each received awards during the recent Banks County High School baseball banquet. The three players were standouts for coach Brent Howell's junior varsity team this spring. www.mainstreetnews.com Local news, sports and obituaries Is Your Bank’s CD Rate Falling Short of Your American Dream? Declare Your Independence. Whether it’s home, business ownership, or early retirement, your dream can be a reality with the right bank partnership. We are a true community bank committed to service and your success. Achieve financial independence with our special CD rate, available for a limited time only. COMMERCE 3165 Maysville Rd. 706.423.2500 HOMER 185 Oak St. 706.677.5250 JEFFERSON 1057 Winder Hwy. 706.367.4300 WINDER 20 W. May St. 770.867.8737 www.freedombankga.com *Annual Percentage Yield. Rate is subject to change without notice and may be withdrawn at anytime. The minimum balance to open and obtain the APY is $500. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. The APY assumes interest will remain on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. The APY is accurate as of this publication.