Bigger Fish

Yesterday I visited the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Hayward, Wisconsin.

It’s main attraction is a giant fish statue the size of two or three school buses, one you can walk up into the mouth of much like the crown of Lady Liberty.

At the top I observed the humble but manicured grounds of the outdoor exhibit sprinkled with plaques and other larger-than-life lake fish. Beyond sat the weathered Hayward water tower, and to my right the still waters of the nearby river.

I had gone there by the recommendation of a friend and presumed the giant fish would be unmistakable from the road, but it really did blend in. The browns and reds and yellows and oranges of the trees hid the monstrosity. It almost looked decent.

The indoor exhibit included walls of fishermen holding giant fish of varying species. You could almost smell them.

It was a nice reminder of the legends among us.