The next best thing is to talk about it. With a respectful nod to its well-reported golf fanatics, Northwest Dentistry would like to invite its equally passionate fisher-folk to help us fill up the pages with, well, fish stories. Between now and our July-August 2006 issue, we'll be collecting whatever you care to send us about the beloved pastime: legends, lore, stories, jokes, photos, drawings, recipes, reminiscences, arguments, imaginings.

What is it that the non-fisher-persons don't get about fishing? What keeps you coming back? We'd like to know how you started, and where it has taken you.

Who's the smartest fisherman you've ever known? What's the smartest fish? And what's the best argument you've ever heard about fishing?

We'd like to hear from the ice fishers and the deep-sea fishers and get your take on which lake is superior. How about any rare breeds pursued while mission fishin'?

We'd like to hear from purists, enthusiasts, and the guys who'll tell us what to eat when you don't catch anything.

Send us a snapshot of your favorite fishing hat — we'll do a gallery. Lucky outfits are also welcome.

What's your dream trip; your dream fish? What are the smartest, the scariest, the meanest, the tastiest fish in the game?

Are you a philosopher; is it a sport? What memories of friends and family are etched with bright water and framed in horizon lines? And if you're so moved, share some advice (we won't ask for secrets). Lures, baits, equipment, strategies. Call it "The Worm's Turn".

We are looking for small pieces to turn into a big article. If we get too much, well, we'll get a bigger boat.

We'd love to hear from you, so take a moment, close your eyes, think of that special place, and see what pops to the surface. If fishing can make it so, we'll have a midsummer feature worthy of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
 

Submissions should be addressed to:
NWD Fish Stories
Minnesota Dental Association
2236 Marshall Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

or e-mailed to cembertson@mndental.org.