Adventures: Fishing with Uncle Clyde and My Dad
- facethyfear
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
Adventures: Fishing with Uncle Clyde and My Dad
Fishing with Uncle Clyde has been one of the greatest constants in my life—a thread that ties us together through laughter, stories, and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s freshwater fishing in New Jersey or deep-sea fishing off the coasts of both New Jersey and Massachusetts, every trip has a rhythm, a joy, and a sense of connection that stays with me long after the lines are reeled in. These trips aren’t just about the fish—they’re about family, especially the moments I’ve shared with Uncle Clyde, my father Dean, and the legacy of my grandfather.
Some of my favorite memories are of the trips we’ve taken to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for deep-sea fishing. There’s something magical about those waters, surrounded by the historic charm of the area and the salty ocean breeze. It’s where my dad, Dean, Uncle Clyde Pannell, and I have spent countless hours fishing together, creating moments that will stay with me forever. I’ll never forget the time Uncle Clyde caught a little shark there, only to have it roll off the hook at the last second. Instead of being upset, he laughed so hard that it became a story we retell to this day. That’s the kind of energy Uncle Clyde brings to every trip—his joy is infectious, and it turns even the simplest catch into a lasting memory.
Closer to home, Uncle Clyde thrives on freshwater fishing in New Jersey. Whether it’s the tranquil stillness of a quiet pond or the challenge of a stubborn catfish putting up a fight, he brings the same passion and humor to every cast. I’ve heard stories of one summer by a riverbank when he wrestled with a particularly feisty catfish. From what I’ve been told, watching him battle it was a sight to behold, and when he finally reeled it in, his grin said it all. Moments like these highlight why fishing with Uncle Clyde and my dad is so special—it’s not just about the catch but the stories and experiences that come with it.
And then there are the big moments—the ones Uncle Clyde seems to live for. On a deep-sea trip off the New Jersey coast, he reeled in a massive striped bass, a fish that was practically the size of my leg. Dressed in his bright hat and jacket, cigar in hand, he posed with his catch like a man who had just conquered the ocean. Though I wasn’t there to witness it myself, I’ve heard the story enough times to picture the scene vividly. It’s the kind of tale that captures who Uncle Clyde is—a man who approaches life with passion, pride, and a little bit of swagger. Moments like these highlight not just his skill as a fisherman, but his ability to turn every catch into a story worth remembering.
But the heart of every fishing trip with Uncle Clyde is the laughter. Like the time we wandered all night in search of steaks, cracking jokes the entire way, knowing full well we’d never tell anyone the full story. Or the countless moments of banter over who caught the biggest fish or whose line got tangled. Those are the memories that make every trip unforgettable, the ones that turn ordinary days into cherished adventures.
Uncle Clyde, originally from Princeton, New Jersey, and now living in Trenton, carries his roots with pride. There’s a quiet strength in the way he moves through life, whether he’s telling stories about his hometown or reeling in another big catch. Fishing is more than a hobby for him—it’s a way of life, and through him, it’s become a way of life for me, too.
My grandfather, Uncle Clyde’s father, passed away on my birthday, December 21, 2024. Even in his obituary, there was a nod to his love for fishing—fishing gear was included as a testament to the passion that he passed down to his children. That legacy has found its way to me, not just in the act of fishing but in the values it has instilled: patience, resilience, and a love for the outdoors. It’s a connection I feel every time I cast a line, as if I’m carrying forward a family tradition that’s as much about heart as it is about skill.
As I reflect on these moments, I can’t help but feel grateful for where my life is headed. Even at work, I find myself talking to my boss about fishing—something I never would have imagined before. Fishing has become a metaphor for the direction my life is taking: full of patience, persistence, and the joy of reeling in unexpected blessings. Uncle Clyde has taught me to embrace the calm and the chaos, and for that, I will always be thankful.
© 2025 FaceThyFear™
All rights reserved. This article and its contents are the intellectual property of FaceThyFear™ and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. For more stories, resources, and inspiration, visit www.FTFnow.net (http://www.ftfnow.net).
FaceThyFear: From Darkness to Light.
Need support for addiction recovery? Explore helpful resources on our site and take the next step in your journey.
❤️🙏💯