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The history
of the Fat Goose Fishing Club is steeped in the time honored
tradition of hunting and gathering. What started as a simple
way to supplement life’s basic needs has evolved into a tight
knit group of individuals looking to pursue the joy of fishing.
It all
started when founding members Tom Whitson, Lynn Bond, and Bill
Stagg would plan fishing trips in order to stock up for the
winters to provide meat for their families. For that reason,
trips are generally held in the fall of the year; however
supplemental trips are occasionally planned in the spring to
make up missed dates or to knock the dust off the rods that have
been stored for the winter. The humble beginnings of these fine
men were marked with little money, little food, and a lot of
perseverance.
True to the
roots of many fishing enthusiasts, libations were consumed and
lore was spun. As the years went on life experiences were
exchanged and the fish got larger. Unbeknownst at the time, the
Great Depression played a role in the creation and evolution of
the Fat Goose Fishing Club. Historians have found the journal
entries that provide clues as to how this modest and humble
group of men transformed shoestring fishing trips into a
celebrated event and a coveted fishing club. It was noted on
one particular trip that the conversation turned to how poor
each of the founders had been when they were growing up during
the 1930’s.
One journal
entry shows where Bill Stagg told the story about the times his
mother had to tie a string to a piece of fat back at dinner.
She did this in order to retrieve the piece of fat back with a
tug of the string in the event someone got greedy and tried to
swallow it. There had to be enough for everyone at the table to
chew on it for a while and get a taste. Of course this was
followed up with Lynn Bond’s tale of humble beginnings.
Apparently he was so poor that if trips around the world sold
for fifty cents a piece then he couldn’t even buy his way out of
sight.
Eager to
relate his story and not to be out done, Tom Whitson told of the
time when he was a child. Noted biographer and historian, Floyd
T. Bathers has found the exact passage that is believed to be
the genesis of the Fat Goose Fishing Club. Tom said that he was
so poor when he was growing up that ”… if fat geese were selling
for fifty cents a pound then I couldn’t buy a kiss off a humming
bird’s ass.” And thus the Fat Goose Fishing Club was born.
As the
founders became successful in their personal and professional
endeavors, the fishing event became less of a necessity and more
of a celebration. Interest in the Fat Goose Fishing Club grew
and the membership roster has more than quadrupled into the tens
of people. Today enthusiasm for the Fat Goose Fishing Club
remains strong and the tradition continues. More recent Fat
Goose tales include the “Green Apple Pier” fishing experience,
sacrificing of rods and tackle boxes, and the quest for inner
strength.
Members
today are screened and their backgrounds are checked to insure
that the quality and integrity of the Fat Goose Fishing Club
remain in tact. We are constantly seeking the ultimate fishing
experience.
Save the drama for your
Momma – shut up and fish! |
