Andy Dear | Monday, 22 July 2024
Back in August of 2019, I wrote a Front Page about "Fishing Trucks". Almost 5 years has passed sine that FP ran, but this last week, I added a new "fishing truck" to a long list of vehicles that have over the years made it possible for me to explore and expand my angling horizons.
Since 2017, our fishing tuck has been a 2012 GMC 4wd. It has been a fantastic truck and has transported the two of us, and our various boats and kayaks to many great memories. When Jackson turned 16 in January, Emily and I allowed him to take that truck as his own. so, for the last 7 months, Emily and I have been sharing cars. And, while I have been on the lookout for a good deal on a used truck (I never buy new), I haven't been all that serious about it, until last weekend.
About 7 years ago, a close friend of the family named Charlie passed away. Charlie's daughter Becky and my mom have been friends for over 40 years. Charlie was a VERY serious lifelong saltwater fisherman, who spent much of his life chasing Redfish and Trout along the Gulf Coast. Since his passing, many of his possessions have remained in the family, including his truck. Last week, through a casual conversation with Becky, my mom informed me that the family had decided to sell Charlie's truck.....I was interested.
Although it was an older 1997 model Ford, it was EXTREMELY well taken care of and only had been driven a total of 77,000 miles in 27 years. The irony of it all is that I have been looking for a truck with a camper on the back for one and two-night solo trips, and Charlie's ol' truck just happened to have one! Needless to say, I paid cash on the spot and took possession of Charlie's truck.
Jackson and I already have plans to deck out the interior of the truck bed camper for onsite camping and remote launches of the MonArk Jon Boat. And perhaps more importantly, Charlie's old truck will see many more trips to the Gulf Coast, and wherever he is, I know he would be happy about that.
Hope you all are having a great week,
Andy