Soul Therapy

[MJL]

As many of you know, back in February, I was diagnosed with cancer for a 2^nd time in 2.5yrs. For 3 months I underwent one of the more intensive chemotherapy regimens available. Things didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped and my treatment took longer than originally planned; anaphylaxis was one of the bigger issues. By the end of it all, I was beaten and broken down. Throughout my treatment, I kept my eyes on what I wanted to do and the places I wanted to visit when it finished.

 

Have I accomplished what I wanted to do? Not even close

 

Am I having fun doing what I love to do, whenever I can do it? Absolutely.

 

The last 2 months I’ve been able to get out onto the water a few times to enjoy some Soul-therapy. There are very few things I enjoy doing more than my fishing & photography. My dad and friends helped drive me to the rivers and carry some of my gear down to the bank. Here are some pics that I took:

 

Carp

 

 

The release

 

 

Big Shoulders

 

 

 

 

Redhorse

 

According to a redhorse ID chart I found on Google, it looks like a silver redhorse. I caught a few with worms. They do fight well.

 

 

 

Sheepshead

 

 

 

 

 

Channel Catfish

 

 

 

 

White Bass

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery Gar

 

According to the fish ID experts that were contacted, it’s either a rare spotted gar or a Florida gar that someone released from an aquarium. Either case, it’s a neat catch.

 

 

 

One day I'd love to get underwater pictures of all the 154 species of freshwater fish in Ontario. In reality I probably won't get them all but I'd like to photograph as many as I can and have fun trying. Maybe in 20-30yrs I'll write a coffee table book.LOL

 

If there’s one thing I learned during this stint of chemo and watching streaming movies online while in quarantine, it’s rule #32 from Zombieland: “Enjoy the little things”

 

Cheers

 

Mike

 

[irishfield]

Glad you're getting in some fun Mike! Not many deserve such outings as you do !

 

Great underwater shots... you should do a book!

[msp]

Great post MJL.

Hope all is well on your end. Excellent photo skills too !

 

I too live by some Zombieland rules........

 

# 8 - Get a kick a$$ partner

# 14- Always carry a change of underwear

 

Take care of yourself dude

[Dozer]

Very cool dude, amazing shots - question for ya - are you shooting with a DSLR? Underwater housing? Bag?

[misfish]

Sweet under water shot dude.

I remember that redhorse you caught at the tressel. That was a pig.

Nice to see you getting out

 

Maybe you can get up for a fall morning steelhead fish.

 

Take care Mike.

[Bill Shearer]

Seriously good photos! Hope your convalescing continues to progress well.

[Locnar]

Awesome photos, and some real nice fish to boot. That's a cool variety, was that all in one spot? Show the big C who's boss and kick its arse man! Hopefully things go well.

[timmeh]

Best of luck with your battle, great to see you're getting out a bit. Great photos as always, can't wait to see some underwater trout photos this fall or next spring.

[MCTFisher9120]

Nice pictures and catches. I played around with underwater photo's/video with my Fuji camera, need to do more of it next time I'm out. Love underwater images.

 

Thanks for sharing,

 

MTBF

[Rod Caster]

Hope things only get better from here.

 

Man those photos are sweet. A lot of species we dont often see photographed.

[spincast]

Fantastic photos, and what a way to fight back.

[danc]

Beautiful work Mike. I'd love to spend a couple days with you up here some time. Get yourself better Bud.

[aplumma]

Good heart on yaa Mike you can beat it. Thanks for sharing the photos and the update on your life.

 

 

 

Art

[bigugli]

I do hope that things improve for you. You may yet manage to get all 154 species on film.

[spinnerdoc]

I've always admired your spirit Mike. Nothing ever dampens it. Best of luck in your recovery from chemo. And

those are as

usual stunning pics.

Edited August 24, 2013 by spinnerdoc

[Ralph Field]

Seriously good photos! Hope your convalescing continues to progress well.

 

x2

[Beans]

Awesome shots Mike...I'm glad to hear you are getting out and about...

 

Your soul therapy is the same as my mental health therapy...

 

Anybody you know ???

 

 

 

Edited August 24, 2013 by Beans

[Twocoda]

Put me down for a autographed book because im not going to stand in a line at Chapters to get your signature on your book tour...Great shots Mike! Positive thoughts for victory!

[pics]

WOW, beautiful photos!!! Keep fighting the good fight!!

[NAW]

Amazing photos man! Keep em coming!!!

[MJL]

Thanks guys for the comments. Glad you liked the pics. It really means a lot

 

Great post MJL.
Hope all is well on your end. Excellent photo skills too !

I too live by some Zombieland rules........

# 8 - Get a kick ass partner
# 14- Always carry a change of underwear

Take care of yourself dude

 

Thanks MSP. I also live by Rule #31 - Check the backseat...I don't want anyone stealing my custom float rods

 

 

Very cool dude, amazing shots - question for ya - are you shooting with a DSLR? Underwater housing? Bag?

 

Thanks Dozer. I am shooting with a DSLR setup:

- Canon 7D

- Canon 8-15mm f/4L

- Aquatech sport housing & dome port

 

 

I have used EWA Marine baggies in the past and the pics came out great and it was super easy to travel with. I would however not recommend them for use in sub-zero temps – The seams become brittle and fail.

 

 

aybe you can get up for a fall morning steelhead fish.

 

Take care Mike.

 

Brian, I’m definitely making my way up to your neck of the woods this fall. I totally missed out on the spring steelhead/trout season this year.

 

 

Awesome photos, and some real nice fish to boot. That's a cool variety, was that all in one spot? Show the big C who's boss and kick its arse man! Hopefully things go well.

 

Thanks Locnar. All but 1 of the pictures were taken from the same river. The fishing hasn’t been all that great for me this season numbers-wise (compared to what I normally average) but I guess it’s a good thing as I spend my time recovering

 

 

Nice pictures and catches. I played around with underwater photo's/video with my Fuji camera, need to do more of it next time I'm out. Love underwater images.

 

Thanks for sharing,

 

MTBF

 

Thanks Mike. Do you still work at the shop? I may need to pop in for your advice on lures for bass next time I'm in the area

 

Beautiful work Mike. I'd love to spend a couple days with you up here some time. Get yourself better Bud.

 

Dan, it's one of my dreams to come up to your neighbourhood and fish with you

 

 

 

Awesome shots Mike...I'm glad to hear you are getting out and about...

 

Your soul therapy is the same as my mental health therapy...

 

Anybody you know ???

 

Pboro 03 Sep09 004.jpg

 

We need to hook up again...It's been too long

 

And that was me 8lbs lighter than I am now.LOL

 

Thanks again guys

[Joey]

Those photos are impressive!!! I'm glad you are getting a chance to do what you love and are kicking cancer's butt back!!!

 

 

Awesome stuff Mike!!! Stay healthy bud!

[ehg]

Those are incredible photos! You have mad skillz!

 

That is probably a rare spotted gar. Found in couple spots Lake Erie shore/marsh or eastern Lake Ontario shore/marsh.

 

Sad to see you battling the health issues, you will win out.

 

All the best!

 

.

[misfish]

Brian, I’m definitely making my way up to your neck of the woods this fall. I totally missed out on the spring steelhead/trout season this year.

 

Be sure to let me know when. I,ll be your bouro sp? (carrying guy) LOL

[BillM]

Mike every time you post those underwater pics it makes me want to break out the credit card! Absolutely amazing man I've got a EWA marine baggie as well, I gotta see if I can jam my 10-22mm in there.