When we first acquired this little piece of heaven, we were very happy to find fish in the pond.
It had been long establish so the fish were a pretty good size. Before it was stocked with bass, there were Bullheads in the smaller natural pond. When it was enlarged, the bullheads grew to an enormous size..It amazed me when I first saw the one come to the surface, it looked like a small shark...about 2 feet in length. Among all the fish I saw one that had a white eye, it was obviously damaged along the way, but he was pretty big and seemed to be the "leader" so I called him Popeye...
As time went on I developed a relationship with Popeye, I yell his name and he would come to be fed worms. he made sure all the other fish stayed back. NO ONE stood between Popeye and me.
People who would visit would be amazed that he would come to his name and then follow me as I walked around the pond.
Each Spring I dreaded going up to see the fish awaken, always afraid that Popeye wouldn't be there...But always, there he was with his perpetual smile, waiting for his worms. Imagine me digging each morning for worms LOL but I did because he is so very special.
I used to allow Catch and release until I found a small dead fish with a torn mouth, then all fishing stopped. Popeye became quite the center of attraction for the kids...
This Spring I was a bit upset for about a week, Popeye seemed to be listing to one side and allowing other fish to take his worms...but then there he was in all his glory chasing them all away and coming back for his daily feast... I noticed that every so often he would allow one other, rather large bass, share in the worms...I wondered if he wasn't passing the torch.
Monday as I fed him, he sort of backed away and let the other fish have his share of the worms...I knew in my heart, there was a reason. That would be Popeye's final swim and his final good morning...yesterday Popeye lay floating in his exact feeding spot...The spot he would swim to every morning when I called his name. Yes I cried...silly fish...as near as we can tell because of the time the pond was stocked, Popeye as around 22 years old. A good life for a fish..I'd like to think I extended it with all that good protein I gave him... he had a very happy life .
It hasn't been a good year for the older animals here in paradise...but it's expected...nothing lives forever...except maybe in our hearts. Popeye has a special place there and I will miss him. Especially next Spring...
