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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | Well I have a story I felt was worth sharing about a good friend of mine and the night we shared last night.
I started working with a guy at work here several years ago and we hit it off right away. Norbert is one of those guys that can tell a story like no other and is great with a joke. He became a mentor of sorts for me at work and we worked closely on some projects and even got to spend two weeks together in France and Italy for work and some pleasure. We also shared some time in the outdoors. He had taken me out to shoot pheasants and I had taken him out fishing.
Our first trip out muskie fishing was probably 4 or 5 years ago on a beautiful October day. We fished hard all day and didn't even see a fish. I made the last cast call for the day and then proceeded to hook and land a 42 incher. Norbert was so excited..he was snapping pictures left and right and was more excited then I was..and that is hard to do! He proceeded to go out the next weekend and buy a muskie rod and reel.
Well a few months ago Norbert felt a lump on his throat. His wife is a nurse and insisted he go get it looked at. It was cancer. He is 55 and decided it was time to give up this work stuff and retire. Before he went in for treatment, which was going to take its toll, I told Norbert he HAS to give me a call when he regains his strength and we will get out fishing again.
Norbert left me a meassage on tuesday night and I called him back and set up for us to go out Thursday night, last night. I suggested we go out for some gills since we had been catching a ton, and then we could troll for a while and maybe cast near dark if he was up for it. Not knowing what his strength and stamina was going to be I thought we would take it easy.
Norbert is waiting for me at the boat launch when I arrive, he was looking good, ~40 lbs lighter but still had the twinkle in his eye.
We get in the boat and I asked where his ultra light rod was, and he said he didn't bring it, he wanted to catch something that really would fight. So we proceeded to do some casting then trolled for a while when we ate our sandwiches, and then trolled some more while we got absolutely soaked by the rain. Then as it let up we began to cast again. Had Norbert throwing a BS Willy (globe style) bait most of the night. I suggested at one point if he gets bored a spinnerbait would be ba good option but he said he really would like to see a muskie hit a topwater bait so he would stick with it (He had only caught two muskies in his life, niether on a topwater). It was getting late and we were thinking of calling it quits as we hadn't seen a fish. My buddy Brad Nelson comes screaming up and asks if we are moving fish and I say no. He tells us he just lost one about 39 and caught a 36 over in a certain bay on a bucktail. So Norbert and I decided to follow Brad back over for a few casts before we call it a night.
I start out throwing a bucktail and had Norbert throwing a spinnerbait. Since I knew that Brad had already gone through the area with a bucktail I suggested we change up our baits. I suggested he throw my favorite hawg buster since the fast surface bait action hadn't been working but the slow struggle of the buster might do the trick. We fished for about 10 more minutes and I then said, "well lets make just a couple more and call it a night," and he agreed since it was almost dark. I proceed to make my cast and then I hear a very loud explosion behind me and turn to see Norberts rod with a good bend in it. I drop my rod and grab the net. The fish makes a couple runs then slips into the net as the bait comes out of its mouth. Brad is near and yells, "how big!?" I look down and judging by the girth I said maybe 40 or 41. Norbert holds the net as I get the camera ready and get the bait out of the net. I start to lift the fish to measure it on my bump board and realize its bigger then 41....measures up to 45 inches on the board. I drop her back in the net as Norbert got ready for his pictures.
Norbert couldn't stop thanking me and telling me how much he enjoyed it and wanted me to thank Brad for helping us out. If only he knew I enjoyed it way more then he did.
Norbert and his wife have an accepted offer on their house and are moving back to Kansas where they have some land. He was going on and on about the stories he is going to tell all his bass fishing niehbors about the big muskies we catch up here in WI....
Norbert will find out the end of August if the treatment was successful.
Reflecting back on the night I couldn't help but think someone upstairs wanted Norbert to catch that fish....to Having Brad come over to get us, to getting a hook up for a beginner on a hawg buster (we know how hard that is!), to hooks coming out in the net...That fish couldn't have had its picture taken with a nicer guy.
Thanks for the night Norbert-
Cory
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 3norberts 45 .JPG (28KB - 157 downloads)
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| Great story!! We all are pulling for Norbert to be cancer free. Thanks for the story, man, made my day. |
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Posts: 7115
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Not to wax too philosophical.....muskie fishing isnt JUST about catching muskies. The people who focus on JUST the catch and dont appreciate the rest of the experience will NEVER last in the sport. Be it fishing with a friend fighting cancer, your friends taking you out after a divorce, solving the world's problems while chucking a topraider, there is much more to muskie fishing than just landing fish.
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| The Musky Gods shined brightly upon Norbert last nite....I'm so glad I came out to get you two....
Brad Nelson |
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Location: Hayward WI | Cory, great story!! Norbert will have those memories YOU helped give him forever.
Slamr with the words of wisdom once again |
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Posts: 294
Location: Suspended | Good story, I hope his good fortune continues. |
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Posts: 91
Location: Wausau | Well done Cory..... Good luck to Norbert being Cancer FREE |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Cory,
I've always believed good things happen to good people.. You and Norbert amongst them for sure. Nice job buddy...:)
Good luck Norbert...Wish you the best for a cancer-FREE recovery. |
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Posts: 51
| Wow. What a great story. As a cancer survivor (I had melanoma diagnosed and operated on this winter), its a story like this that reminds me how lucky I am, and to get out and fish and ski and bike, and play with my wife and kids as much as life allows. Thanks for sharing.
Bill  |
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| Touching story! Well said Slamr and Mark, well said. My uncle is fighting cancer right now and has not been out fishing since he found out. He had planned to go a few times but, due to the treatment he was not able or didn't feel like it. Last time I went fishing with him was at LOTW and he boated his personal best. He has been undergoing treatment for about 2+ years and still is not cancer free but, he remains strong and positive. I am waiting for the day when he is cancer free to book that next LOTW trip. Congrats to Norbert, get him out a few more times before he moves. |
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Posts: 358
| Hi C,
It sure sounds like your friend Norbert is a trooper. If he was tough enough to fish for the toothy critters, I bet he beats the odds with the adversities he faces now. I wish you and him nothing but the best.
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Posts: 1438
| Awesome job Cory....
Glad to see you were able to hook him up. The memories you provided will be with him for many years.
It's always amazing how things get put into perspective when you look at the trials of others.
God will only give those trials to those he knows can handle them, or those who have the support of those around. They all make you stronger in the end.
Scott |
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| This is one of those things that happens very seldom. Enjoyed the story, congratulations to you and your friend.
RM |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | Thanks guys, I am glad you enjoyed it. I am glad I shared it with everyone.
Cory |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | That is what it is all about Cory!! Way to put him on that fish, and enjoy that evening. That can only help with his battle, and pending recovery. |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | Since I posted this a while ago Norbert has gotten his results back on his tests to determine if his treatment was successful. Well he let me know that every thing looks great!!!! He is working hard to get their land ready to build on down in Kansas.
So far...a happy ending.
Cory |
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Posts: 222
Location: Hartland, WI | That is great to hear. The story really hit home. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | SWEET!
Good for him!
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Cory,
Ever since I read some of your posts when I first visited this board I've wanted to meet you. Now I want to meet you and shake your hand. You are an awesome stick from what I've seen and this story confirms what I felt I already knew about you. You have a very kind and generous heart. Norbert is in good hands for sure. These memories will be a part of his legacy when his time finally does come (many years from now I pray). Never forget my friend, that they will also be a big part of yours.
in Christ,
Steve Johnson |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | Thanks Steve for the very kind words, God bless you. People like Norbert make it easy to give and help. People have reached out to me over the years and have made a big impact on me so I feel compelled to do the same. Maybe this spring when I make a trip down to Indy we can share some water time and swap fishing stories!!!
Stick a fall fatty!!!
Cory
Edited by C.Painter 9/23/2004 7:10 AM
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Any little ole' excuse to go is all I need! I hope it works out.
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | wonderful story!! the world needs more guys like you in it!!
slamr,
couldnt have said it better myself! in fact i have stopped fishing and hunting with alot of friends over the years because they just didnt get it, that it is about just being out there doing it, not what you catch or shoot. its the memories of times spent with family and friends, the eagles soaring high above, the deer coming to the shoreline for a drink, sunrises and sunsets etc etc etc. its about a true love of the outdoors.
seems like these days with the ever increasing costs of hunting and fishing (between gear, licneses, cost of trips etc) that alot of guys are constantly figuring the "return on their investment". its really sad. |
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Posts: 3926
| Great story! Go Nobert! |
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