Over the weekend I was able to do a little bit of fishing between Collin's (Wendy's son) basketball games. His games were held near Longview Lake and I was able to fish a little bit near the marina between games. I caught a few bluegill and saw some interesting wildlife but what struck me most was the amount of trash that was in and near the water. Fortunately, I had my stripping bucked with me and decided to help clean things up a little bit. It didn't take long and it wasn't much trouble...which leads me to my next point. I didn't really want to do it.
I think most people can relate to how I felt. I didn't want to clean up the mess because I didn't make it. I don't leave trash where I fish and why should I have to clean up someone else's mess? Shouldn't they be responsible and respectful enough to not leave a mess behind? Of course, the answer is yes but that mentality wasn't helping solve the problem. I had to adopt a new mentality. After thinking for awhile, I came to the realization that I needed to simplify the situation.
I stopped concerning myself with the people that left the trash and instead just looked at it as simply the right thing to do. I also felt like I was helping out the environment that I love and appreciate. My buddy Ryan Walker of Ozark Smallmouth Alliance feels similar enough that he started a campaign on social media. If you or others decide to help clean up the environment while you are spending time on the water, tag @ozarkssmallmouthalliance in your post and use the hashtag #packitoutosa. This will help spread the word about doing some good in the world and will hopefully make the places that we love a little prettier as well!
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