Humility is often learned the hard way, as this story of a broken fishing pole illustrates

It’s humbling to think of the near-misses and just plain stupid stuff I’ve done over the years. Somehow, I survived the worst thing possible for most anglers, taking a hard shot to my fragile ego.

I was fishing at Millerton Lake about 30 years ago when a group of three anglers in a boat positioned themselves about 70 yards away from us. I could hear one of the guys say to his buddies that he recognized me. At the time, I was using my nine-foot fishing pole and making long, arching casts with a big plug toward their area.

Knowing they were watching, I figured it would be fun to really lay into a big cast. Just like a good javelin throw, I would effortlessly launch my plug into the nether region! I put all I had into it. Then I heard a loud snap just as I saw the upper end of the rod take off, traveling a good 15 feet beyond me into the drink. Simultaneously, all the excess line created by the failure to launch came slowly cascading down on my head and shoulders. I was left holding the bottom 4-foot part of my two-piece rod – and covered with line.

As the fog of disbelief faded, the laughing from the other boat began ringing in my ears. Trying to look nonplussed and professional, I felt humiliated and stupid! The pole was fixable, but my ego was pretty deflated.

I’m sure those guys knew it was a pole failure (I hadn’t checked the connection!), but still the anglers in the other boat had to be thinking, “So, he’s supposed to be good or something?”

Of course, my boatmate (who shall remain anonymous) thought it was hilarious. He correctly accused me of trying to showboat. Admitting my failure was the worst part, but I didn’t want him to keep rubbing it in!

Since that time I always hesitate and think before I launch a big cast in front of anyone.

The law of reciprocity sure seems to come back to bite you if your motives aren’t the right ones. Yes, it was a very humbling experience – one I’m glad happened. Gotta keep your attitude honest and truthful.

Never give up!

This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Humility is often learned the hard way, as this story of a broken fishing pole illustrates."