Joe Ellis–My Power of Water Story

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to bodies of water.  Whether it is a small backwoods pond, a trout stream, a rapid river, an inland lake, a Great Lake, or the Pacific Ocean – the Power Of Water is undeniable.

My first vivid memories on the water come from about 1982 (5 years old) on Gun Lake in West Michigan.  In the old school paddle boat or in the aluminum canoe we (siblings, cousins, friends) would explore the shoreline looking for fishing holes with our Zebco rod’s, night crawlers, and a few artificial lures.  It didn’t matter if it was small pan fish, or trophy Northern Pike…we went after it!  At dawn and dusk nearly every day, we made our way up and down the shoreline on an adventure.  Getting on the water at 6 AM before any wind kicked up and boats made waves, there was something awesome and powerful about that perfect glass so clear that you could watch birds fly overhead without actually looking up.  After many years and hours logged in the canoe and paddle boat on those shorelines on Gun Lake, I appreciate that same tranquility and power to this very day.  Today though, it’s on a SUP with a Sage fly rod.  Still enjoying even more-so essentially what I have been doing for 30 years now.  The best part about it – I’m now able to experience that with my son.  I’ll observe closely and enthusiastically as The Power Of Water moves him like it moved me.