The Crappie "Young" Man

Crappie fishing, a family affair

Slab, limit and jig are commonplace around Calhoun County this time of year. Crappie season is in full gear as local anglers host reunions at Enid, Sardis, Grenada and all the neighboring lakes and rivers in the quest to real in the limit.

Crappie, a native to the sunfish family, is a freshwater fish and houses the biological name of Pomoxis. The two main types of crappie are the Black Crappie and the White Crappie, as both are very popular game fish.

While I would have to take on writing a novel to recall the numerous stories told to me regarding the life of a crappie fisherman, I am reminded many will include water temperature, dogwoods blooming and oak leaves the size of mouse ears.

I must admit, I have never been crappie fishing but have always appreciated the art of fishing. Like many of you know, a day on the water begins very early. A stop by your local convenient store to tell everyone not to follow you to your secret spot, after filling your boat with supplies, and it’s off to your little slice of heaven. My crappie intellect was not complete. Not until last week.

As I pulled into the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Shreveport, LA, I thought I had a grasp on what it meant to spend a day on the water with the sun beaming down amidst my own quiet oasis. As I turned the corner to room 313, I met a smile that would light up the darkest cave you could imagine. Hunter Barefield was awaiting a transport to yet another surgery. This was not his first. As I began visiting with Hunter, his parents and grandparents, we began the conversation about his love of fishing. He did all the talking mind you. Grandmother Kay and grandfather Smokey smiled. I was quite sure they had heard this story before.

He began to ponder of the times he caught the big one and sometimes came home empty handed. He didn’t care. The smile grew larger. All that crossed his mind was the pole, line and the friendships he has encountered along the way.

I wanted to share my days as a youth with him. They were entirely different but yet they were eerily similar. We both grew up with loving families and did what any 13-year old would do; be a kid. We play the hand we are dealt and if you were to ask Hunter, he has an ace high straight flush.

I met a young man with pride and zest for life. Most importantly, I saw a family with a devout faith and love for one another.

As I left the hospital, I knew my crappie quest was complete. If I ever go crappie fishing, Hunter will be by my side smiling ear to ear.