12 | SPORTS
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012
GALEA: Women put on a good show, but we know that they just can’t resist a show of prowess FROM: 11
awkward. I smiled, pointed to Jenn and said, “Just so you know, I’m taken…” Who knows why women find highly successful bass anglers so damn attractive? Or why they outwardly pretend as if they don’t? All I know is that I’ve been through this several times before and it isn’t pleasant. It always begins the same way.
First, there’s the casual disinterest when they overhear your story on the PA system, at the bait shop or on a crowded elevator. Then, more casual disinterest, often for weeks – only this time they’re not fooling anyone. Unless, I know nothing about women, somewhere deep down they’re imagining the successful angler in question as he hoists that glistening big bass into the
live well. In fact, the allure of a giant bass is such an aphrodisiac to women that I can only assume it’s why they insist I never talk about fishing while in their presence. And now, here I am – a man who, using only a fly rod, raw nerve and a deer hair popper, has just bested a big largemouth bass. Suddenly, and through no fault of my own, I have joined the
ranks of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Bob Izumi. I can’t help but feel a little sorry for womankind. Was I seeking this unbridled, well-hidden adulation? Of course not. When my taut arm muscles and vaguely defined two-pack first did battle with that largemouth among the lily pads, I wasn’t thinking about becoming a living, breathing
Axe commercial. For me, at that moment, it was simply a matter of survival. Who could blame me for uttering the historic words, “We’re going to need a bigger boat” when that bass first cleared the water? Was it risky that I used a fly rod? Sure, but only because of a strong crosswind. If that makes me one of those dangerous, bad boys that women on TV love, so
TOUGH WEEKEND FOR WOOLWICH GIRLS IN U17 TOURNAMENT
There was plenty of action at the U17 provincial tournament in Lions Park last weekend. Left, Olivia Nelles of Woolwich challenges a Warrior for the ball during the second half. Inset, Tianna Dupuis of Tecumseh challenges Nelles during a header. Right, Tory Kallitsis of Woolwich is stopped by the Warriors goaltender as a Warrior player jumps over her to avoid a collision. [COLIN DEWAR / THE OBSERVER]
be it. I did what I had to do. Even Jenn grudgingly admits that things have been very different since I walked into the house and showed her 30 or so assorted images of me and that fish. Even the recounting of that fateful morning causes a swell of emotions in her. In fact, this morning she admitted that every time I tell the story it drives her crazy.