A lake that splits Texas and Oklahoma is home to striped bass. Early in April, a group from the Kelly Plantation Fishing Club wandered over to catch some of those stripers. Tom Minerva, Joanne Staub, Charlie and Maria De Cesecenzo along with our gracious hosts Leo and Maria Mallamaci, embarked on this adventure. 

In the early morning darkness, with only the pale moonlight and stars to guide us, we travelled across from Texas to the waiting guides in Oklahoma. False dawn appeared, with the sun yet to break the horizon, as we geared up and got excited as we boarded our boats. Seated in our swivel chairs with rods in hand, the Captain baited our hooks with live shad minnows. It's the number one item on the striper menu. We were guaranteed by the captain that “them Shads will catch him or die trying”. Well said, as our rods arched towards the water.  

Soon the deck was glistening with the vibrant silver of striped bass. The fish were put on ice and we pulled anchor to head for the dock. Cheers went up for the captain, a battle-scarred old salt. It was fresh fish for lunch back at the Mallamaci’s. Maria DeCescenzo prepared a large pan of fresh caught fish in the au gratin style. We tapped our glasses and headed outside to the veranda to enjoy our repast. Tall tales flowed as we recounted this trip, and tomorrow will welcome us again. 

From twilight to dusk, we will make the memories that we pass on.