To the Editor:

My father was my best friend.

He passed away at 93 over 10 years ago and I still reflect on his words today.

He taught me how to study. He taught me about life. He taught me about “manners.” He taught me about “girls.” He taught me how to drive. He taught me how to fish.

In 1955, when I was 4, he bought me my first fishing rod. I still have it. It's been passed down to my son, and to his son, but it's still in my “protective custody.”

Together, my dad and I fished almost every corner of Narragansett Bay and pier #44 of the “old Jamestown Bridge” was our lucky spot because it matched our street address number. Often, it was just me and my dad. Those were the best times. We honestly fished hundreds of times over 50-plus decades, His biggest was a 510-pound bluefin tuna. Mine was, well, a lot smaller; a 36-inch codfish.

We fished from Providence to many miles past Block Island where the big stripers lurk. And, yeah, he got me on that one too, reeling in a 49-inch striped bass that he had mounted in his office. It served as a constant reminder of how much I still needed to learn, not just about fishing, but about life itself.

My dad was a lover of rainbows, and I can’t report how many times we saw one usually while fishing under the “old” Jamestown Bridge. Dad said it brought luck and I believed him then and you know what? I guess I still do.

He was my best man at BOTH of my weddings and his congratulatory toast showed the true wisdom of a great friend and the unconditional love of a wonderful father.

I fished last October at Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown for the fall stocking of trout. I was all alone with my thoughts and the incredible autumn colors reflecting against the calm water. I wished so much that he were sharing that precious moment with me, just one more time. Then, almost on cue, I got a hit, set the hook, and landed a 15-inch golden trout.

As I held it up and admired it, in the background I saw that a rainbow had come out of nowhere. It was as if my dad came over to say “Hello”. It was a moment I will never forget. Happy Father’s Day dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, especially the ones who taught their children life's many lessons; like how to fish.

Richard Corrente
Warwick