The Enjoyment of Fishing

Fishing has to be done as a dedicated sport to be good at it. If you love the outdoors and the water fishing just seems to fall right into place. One man who has spent more time on the water and has caught more fish than anyone in this part of the country is Gaston Jordan of Alexander City. His experience on the lake has no equal when it comes to the art of fishing a deer hair jig. A small piece of lead on a hook tied with pure deer hair dyed different colors has been his lure of choice for well over forty years. Every species of fish that swims in Lake Martin has at one time been taken on his baits. 

Fishing for the pure enjoyment of being on the lake and the thrill of a fish pulling on his line has kept Mr. Jordan heading to the lake for most of his life. His baits are hand tied in a small shop in his back yard where you can see many different colors of these baits hanging on lines to dry. Dyeing deer hair is no easy job but Jordan has perfected it to a fine art. Always coming up with a new variation of colors that catch fish brings him great enjoyment.

Yesterday I had the pleasure to visit Mr. Jordan at his home and talk over some of the good times we enjoyed when I first met him 23 years ago. Our first meeting was when he came in old Piney Woods Marina and Restaurant located near Wind Creek State Park. Even as an avid fisherman back then I was amazed to see the vast numbers of fish that he caught each time he came to the lake. His ability to catch crappie was unsurpassed along with bass, stripers and white bass. Cat fishing was also tops on his list many times when he put his boat in the lake. Gaston enjoyed eating fish as well as giving many to his neighbors and friends to enjoy. He said there was an art to catching fish on his deer hair jig which was go fishing often.

Due to the health of his wife he does not get to go as often these days but still when he does he has not forgotten the art of catching fish with his jigs. His stories are many and all true. By far one of the best I have ever had the honor to fish with it was my pleasure to again spend a few hours with such a great person and fisherman. If you would like to get in touch with him about some of his baits you can reach him at 256-234-5414. Enjoy each hour you spend fishing and have a great week I’ve gone fishing.

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