10 Signs that say you’re married to a Fisherman
As a fishing spouse, you’ll find yourself putting up with things the average spouse could never relate to.
While it in no way reflects how much your spouse loves you, when it comes to fishing, you often take a backseat. Before the honeymoon phase is over, you’ll find yourself making a whole host of unique concessions on behalf of your spouse’s favorite hobby.
Here are 10 surefire signs you’re married to a fisherman (or woman):
1. There are always fish to be caught.
Unlike hunting seasons that have distinct start dates and end dates, there is generally always some type of fish to be caught.
Steer clear of planning any major life events during the main weather-cooperative “fishing season” between the months of April and early November.
But season or not, your spouse will be willing to brave the elements any time of year if it means there’s a chance to reel in a big one or just enjoy some peace and quiet on the water.
If you’re married to a fisherman, fishing season never ends.
2. Your days of sleeping in on the weekends are over.
Sleeping until 7 or 8 a.m. is considering sleeping in when you’re married to a fisherman. It doesn’t matter that it’s Saturday or Sunday and you don’t have to work.
If you were blessed with the ability to sleep through anything, or fall back asleep quickly, the 4 a.m. weekend alarm won’t even phase you.
If not, you might as well find an early morning hobby of your own. Or better yet, grab a pole and hit the water to spend some quality time with your spouse.
3. You don’t even notice their “coon eyes” anymore.
“Coon eyes” are considered a major badge of honor for a fisherman. Those permanent sunglasses tan lines represent the hours and days your spouse has invested on the water.
Eventually, you’ll quit preaching about needing more sunscreen and griping about how those “coon eyes” ruined what otherwise would’ve been a frame-worthy photo.
After a while, you won’t even notice them anymore.
4. You can’t park your car in the garage.
So it’s raining and you have a car full of groceries to unload. Thankfully, you have a garage that you can pull into.
But wait, you’re married to a fisherman, which mean there’s a boat taking up valuable real estate in your garage. Forget the idea of ever being able to squeeze your car in there.
5. A catalog from (fill in the name of any sporting goods supply business here) has a permanent place on the back of your toilet.
Your spouse isn’t in the bathroom for 30 minutes actually making use of the facilities. He/she is actually making a shopping list for the latest gadgets they “need” to have in order to reel in their next monster.
Yes, they’ve said countless times that they have everything they could possibly need, but if you’re married to a fisherman you know to never believe it.
6. You can back a trailer with the best of ’em.
Once the honeymoon phase wears off, your fisherman will expect you to pitch in if you join them on the water. Instead of launching the boat solo in order to impress you, or because you’re incapable, you’ll quickly be required to learn how to back a trailer.
On the plus side, your fisherman will fall in love with you all over again.
7. Your sink will be covered in scales.
If you don’t already have a utility sink in your garage, now is the time to start thinking about investing in one.
If not, get use to the sight of shimmery fish scales and slimy guts in your kitchen sink.
But, you’ll turn the other cheek when your fisherman grills or fries up their fresh catch for you.
8. Various baits will undoubtedly make their way into your fridge or freezer.
What is worse than stumbling out of bed and opening your fridge in the morning, only to find hundreds of little eyes staring back at you? Nothing.
I find bait in my fridge and freezer more times than I would ever prefer and I must remind myself to not be horrified when one crawls out of the box and into the actual fridge.
From cut up shad frozen in plastic grocery bags to tubs of night crawlers and chicken liver, I’ve learned to not be surprised (or grossed out) by anything.
9. Shopping for special occasions is easy.
Being married to a fisherman takes all the guesswork out of shopping for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
Rods, reels, bait, tackle or even a bunch of fishing line will make them swoon! If you have no clue what to buy, they’ll never be disappointed with a gift card to their favorite outdoor retailer.
10. You could never imagine being married to someone who doesn’t fish.
Fishing is a way of life for the entire family. When you marry a fisherman (or woman), you know your spouse possesses the exact qualities you would want passed onto your kids.
You’ll never find anyone more patient, adaptable, humble, hardworking, persistent or dependable. Your children will be raised with a love and respect for nature and you can be confident they’ll have a greater appreciation for where food comes from.
Being married to a fisherman isn’t for everyone.
If you’re fortunate enough to find someone who supports your unwavering devotion to the sport or, better yet, shares your enthusiasm for the outdoors, count your blessings.
by Ashley McGee
