Well, friends, Tight Line Jr. here. I must admit this is a tough column to write. It’s my first column without Ol’ Tight Line, and it’s hard to believe he is gone. I miss him every day, but I know in my heart he and mom are fishing in Heaven.

I have one good fishing report and one good fishing story to share with y’all.

My neighbors out on Planting Hammock, Red and Marie Davis, went fishing with Larry Gady and they caught the limit on spottail bass. Red said he hooked four that he couldn’t even turn. Now that’s a nice afternoon.

Boo Hall got the dock tour started without me and I can’t say I blame him. My little co-captain hooked a spottail bass about as long as his leg and he said it was the biggest fish he ever hooked in his life. I’m sure Ol’ Tight Line was looking down at that catch.

The turnout for the Colonel’s Island St. Patrick’s Day parade was great, and the folks out there flew the flag at half mast to honor my dad, Allen F. Branch, the one and only original Ol’ Tight Line. He was the greatest dad and the best fisherman I’ve ever had the pleasure of wetting a hook with. I love you, dad, and I will miss you forever.

Remember what Ol’ Tight Line used to say and get out there and go fishing. And if you do, always remember to keep a tight line. I always say hit the dock, keep a sharp eye and watch that cork go down.

Now get out there and wet a hook.