Being NICE does not take a lot of energy. With a little effort, we can spread a lot of joy and happiness in a hurry.
Just as I was heading out on a float, I saw another guide backing up their boat. He didn’t see that someone else had set their gear in his path. I yelled and stopped his backing up. The Winston rod and expensive gear was saved. We went our ways and never expected to see each other again. When I got to the takeout, my boat trailer tire was flattened. The guide that I helped and his client at once came over to help. We all finished the job and shared a beer. What could have been a huge pain the butt became a friendship.
My son and I were ice fishing on Canyon Ferry. We were new to the area, and our empty buckets proved it. A nearby angler was filling his bucket with nice yellow perch. On this windy day, his gear bucket blew over, and his stuff was blowing our way. My son and I grabbed the gear and saved his loss. We returned his expensive stuff and started a conversation. When the guy left, with his 50 perch limit, he invited us to fish his Honey holes. He showed us how and broke the ice for us. My son and I landed our first perch limits that evening thanks to a nice angler. Ice Men are the friendliest and best anglers.
Here are some ways to be NICE!
Say Howdy Being friendly is easy. Be Nice to others, it’s contagious. Start a conversion. Complement the anglers’ gear, skill, or company. Be nice to their kids and dogs.
Wave to oncoming traffic A tilt of the hat, a wave, or display a few fingers can be nice. Middle fingers are for other purposes, not being friendly.
Be courteous to others Smile and display a friendly body language.
Offer assistance to others If a guy is landing a fish and has no net, let him borrow yours. If you are really confident and skilled, net the fish for them but remember that if you miss the netting, it could be your fault and blame.
Share Info. Tell someone what the fish are biting on. Share observations and info about what you heard or saw. You may be surprised at what you get back.
Offer advice If they don’t want any, you tried.
Karma Being nice will yield good Karma and rewards.
Help drag the game if you see another hunter struggling to carry something, offer to help. Support and encourage them.
A little friendship can go a long way. One of my friends had traffic accident with a guy that was riding a motorcycle. It was an accident, but the guilt of hurting someone was deep. He did all he could to make it right. Visits to the hospital, helping with repairs, and getting to know each other turned into a lifelong friendship. Decades later they are best hunting and fishing friends.
There’s enough anger and hate in the world. We don’t need to add to it. Instead, maybe we can make others smile and find some joy.
Make a point of doing a Good Turn Daily!
Montana Grant
