Kevin and the Haunted House
A father and son graced my skiff one day for some fly-fishing on Mosquito Lagoon. They were on probation from a family trip to Disney World. The son, Ralph, was in his thirties I’d guess, with Dad significantly older.
Although the day was spectacular, fishing was slow until we stumbled onto a large school of redfish. Ralph and Dad were both good anglers, so we all stayed busy until it was time to leave.
During the fish-catching, Ralph asked me, “Are you booked tomorrow?” I was not. “Would you take a four-year-old out?” “Only for a half-day,” I said. “And that’s too long for some kids.” “Can I call you tonight and let you know?” “Sure.” A half-day bonus was in the offing, not a bad thing.
He called that evening. “We’re on! Eight o’clock?” “Fine, see you then.”
The fog was thick in the morning. I had to feel my way up the ICW, using my compass to go from channel marker to channel marker. But we found the spot where the school of redfish had been. They were still there.
The kid’s name was Kevin. He hadn’t wanted to go fishing- he was visiting Disney World! Ralph had coerced him into it. Kevin wanted to visit the Haunted House, but had been afraid to go in. Ralph had told him, “If you come fishing with me and catch a redfish, I’ll take you into the Haunted House.” So, Kevin had agreed to come. Ralph had bribed the kid!
The school of redfish was still there. Today we had spin rods, and live shrimp. Ralph hooked a fish, and handed the rod to Kevin. During the transfer, the fish came off. Then I hooked a fish, and gave the rod to Kevin. During the transfer, the fish came off. I hooked another, and handed the rod to Kevin. He caught it! Ralph hooked another, and handed the rod to Kevin. He caught that one, too!
Up to this point, Kevin’s behavior had been wonderful. After releasing the second fish, though, it changed. He couldn’t verbalize it, but his actions clearly said, “Okay, we caught the fish. Let’s go.” Ralph was paying for four hours, though, and wanted all of them.
Kevin was now jumping and stomping. Ralph said (many times), “Kevin, be quiet!” Kevin kept stomping. “Kevin, if you don’t be quiet, I’m not taking you to the Haunted House!” Sorry, Dad, that train already left the station.
Of course, Kevin spooked the school of fish, who left a wide wake as they vacated. Ralph wasn’t happy, but still wanted the full time. Kevin kept making noise, though, sabotaging any chance Ralph had to get more fish. That last hour wasn’t fun for any of us.
Time finally up, we returned to the dock. I sincerely hope Kevin enjoyed his visit to the Haunted House!