Black-N-Blueman

As a reward for being a good husband, Ellen urged me to go fishing on a warn day recently. Perhaps it was to get me out of the house when two lady friends visited. I was slow in getting everything loaded, though, and was hefting the kayak into the SUV as the guests arrived. Maybe I should have put my new black and blue wet suit on at the lake, but I decided to do it right. Only when fully suited did I realize the poles still were in their rack. So I grabbed three, hoping to duck through the living room without being seen. I had to make a second trip to get the rest -- and was caught upon re-entering the house.

I darted through to get my other two rods, but on the way out was stopped by: "Who are you supposed to be?"
"Uh, I'm an old superhero, black-and-blue man, masquerading as a 'school' teacher who instructs young bass on what not to bite."
Ellen quickly came to my defense, saying: "He's going to fish from a kayak and that suit keeps him warm."
Of all the things the ladies could have asked, their next question puzzled me: "How many poles do you use?"
Five, I answered and didn't waste further time getting out the door.

I imagine the lady was thinking that five is four more than I needed, but I didn't want to take time to explain. I fish tough lakes that take every skill and trick for success. I often catch fish because I've had a rig handy with the right lure for the situation I've just witnessed. Had I re-tied, the opportunity would be lost. Short on time on the water, I don't have time to be changing lures. Besides various situations require different reels and rods.

Anyway, I felt sort of silly as Black-N-Blueman that day, but I'd rather be fishing regardless of what people think.