Photos and article 

by Annemarie Eveland

There are three lakes in Payson, and fishing is one of the fondest sports’ activities that visitors and residents alike agree on. Mornings and other times of the day you can usually find a “fisherman” whether old or young enjoying the fun of catching the local choice of fish. 

And these lakes are stocked at times. But I was surprised to learn that when stocking these lakes our town cannot use the local hatchery. The reason is that the hatchery fish need to be put into streams. So we get our replenishment fish all the way from Idaho! 

But the fishing is good here in Payson. So whether you are a little kid with your dad helping you hold up your fishing pole, or an old seaworthy captain on vacation, you will enjoy this activity.

I wanted to share with you readers two other fishing stories that I have from the past that are memorable.

The first story comes from when I had my Bed and Breakfast in Pine. I loved welcoming my guests, and they loved coming to our beautiful Rim Country. I remember certain guests had planned a big fishing trip and their friends had said that they would look forward to hearing their fishing stories about catching “the big one” when they returned home. They were staying a week. But as the days and nights folded into each other, they relaxed with my spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim and the lush green valley below. The fireside treats and the wine didn’t hurt either. They loved my tasty breakfasts and the box lunches that I packed for them to enjoy the day excursions in our Rim Country. 

Suddenly, it seemed that the entire vacation time went by so quickly, that it was departure time. Suddenly, they were in shock that they never went on their fishing trip because they were having so much fun. Aghast, they lamented that they were supposed to bring back “big fish” tales to share with their friends. So I came up with an idea. I told them that I had a pond, I had a fishing pole, and I had a lively fish they could “catch.” 

There was a puzzled, yet hopeful look on their faces as I explained further. “My fish” was a mechanical one, that when turned on, swam around the pond to entertain my guests (there are lots of animals in our area, who would love to “fish” my pond, so to avoid live fish, I found this one).

My guests were delighted. So, we rigged it up for them to be “fishing” and “catching” my fish. Click, click, click. I took lots of photos for them to relate their big fish story later.  

Later, I received an email from them telling me that it was the best “fishing trip” they ever went on!! And better than that, their friends insisted on them telling their fishing story again and again. It made me smile.  

My next adventure fish story takes us to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

A friend and I were at a restaurant in Scottsdale, and I heard the two men sitting at the next table talking about cheetahs. Well, my ears perked up since my late husband was a wild animal trainer who dealt with the big cats and apes and was from Africa. When their conversation quieted, I went to their table and told them of my interest in cheetahs and the wild animals because of my husband John. 

The one gentleman said, he imported animals and had a sanctuary for big cats and birds at his home. “Unbelievable, I thought. In Scottsdale?” He gave me his card, and said he would show them to me if I wanted. I returned to my friend, and she said, “You DON’T believe that line, do you?” I thought what he said was true. 

Later that week, I went to his compound (in Scottsdale) and sure enough, there were caged cheetahs and big cats! And a huge aviary of birds. I was astounded. I brought some photos of my husband’s animals that I had taken, to show that I knew about the animals. He liked my photos, and said, “Some friends and I are going on a fishing trip to Cabo San Lucas later and I am looking for a photographer to take our pictures of catching the marlin on a fishing trip. Would you be interested in being the photographer for that trip?

I said I would think about it. All expenses paid? All I have to do is take pictures and be on the ocean in beautiful Cabo? A great time for a paid vacation! I also learned that the famous Jacques Cousteau and his Calypso would also be mooring at the Bay! So, I arrived at the destination with my overloaded bags of cameras and lenses to shoot the photos of all the “big catches.”

For days nothing, but the azur blue sea and their conversations of their great catches of the past. 

The day wore on. Fisherman Jerry, boasted, “You’’ll have your work cut out for you, Annie, when I hook the big one. I’m well known for catching trophies!” as he smiled, showing a broad set of perfectly capped teeth. The day wore on without any catches. Six more empty days ensued with no fish to photograph. 

Finally, January 21st arrived and someone found out it was my birthday. They suggested that I be harnessed up in the rig chair and try my luck. I’m sure it was amusing seeing an amateur fisherwoman trying to catch a fish. Fifteen minutes clicked by. “I’m done,” I thought. But suddenly a quick tug caught my attention, vigorously shaking my line and hand.

“Hang in there, gal!!” they shouted. The line zigged back and forth. Several men shouted their advice, “Give line, reel in, don’t let go, hold tight, it might take an hour, she’s tough, I’ll take over.” I thought, “this is my fish, and I’m not letting go!”

The marlin’s silver and blues sparkled brightly as it fantailed above the water’s edge. It took all my strength to continue reeling it in. Finally, it was near the yacht and reeled in and then laid in the back of the boat. I went back to see it and all I could see was the eye of that great fish that fought me for its life.

All I could see is his eye looking at me and silently saying, “Why me?” I was humbled instantly and knew I would never fish again!!

Then, more sun-soaked days and star-studded nights. No fish. The guests looked gloomed. More margarita rounds. More wild stories of the former catches. Only the birthday girl’s catch lay in ice below.

When we docked, one guy said, “You gotta have your photo taken with your fish, Anne.” I didn’t know that was a tradition. So I posed and condescended, but said, “I don’t want the fish, so take it!” and proceeded to go up to the hotel. I glanced back and saw that my fish was now still hanging, and each of the guys were having their individual photos with the fish! But then again, I told myself, “It isn’t MY fish!”