Being gentrified has its drawbacks

The retail fishing business could use a kick in the pants these days.

On my mind, there seems to be a customer malaise that goes from shop to shop, with window shoppers fleeting about instead of gearing up for another new season. Is this hesitancy the result of a lackluster economy and job loss, or is this all about angling boredom?

Up until recent months, I had suggested to a couple fishing retailers they conduct special promotions in order to draw potential buyers in to the stores. A few bucks invested in some hoopla usually generates enough counter sales to cover whatever is laid out for an event.

Now to the more important aspect here.

Is there anyone reading this column willing to spend more than a buck to have a cup of coffee on the street?

I'm referring to the extremely expensive, so-called, trendy, boutique coffee shops that cater to those who wouldn't know a good, solid, non-burnt tasting, high-priced, dark water concoction with semi-exotic flavorings tossed in.

I have a new $19 coffee pot I use to make extra-strong coffee that friends call "Jackson jet fuel." Bob Macuilis comes through the front door with his eyes half-closed and leaves with a fresh, lively hitch in his getty-up after two cups of my special, homemade brew.

Now that I've set the tone for the rest of this column, I ask the single questions many contemporaries already recognize. It's all about not being politically correct when it comes to embracing hunting and fishing activities.

We have problems in Illinois with drug usage and drug dealers and gangs; we have crooked politicians going to prison for their misdeeds; and a host of other issues that ultimately have a negative impact on the citizenry.

I suppose fishing is not a highly appreciated alternative to playing computer games or hanging out on street corners. Fishing used to be something kids looked forward to after classes.

And because we in the suburbs live very close to one of the largest cities in the country, we've allowed our children to slip away from the activities that can keep them safe.

But in certain communities the hunting and fishing mentality find its way into the schools, like in Michigan.

Michigan's Salmon in the Classroom program has more than 200 schools raising Chinook salmon in the classroom from November through May. The popularity of this program has skyrocketed throughout that state, and approximately 25 schools are admitted each year.

Those who fish the Great Lakes for coho and Chinook salmon fully understand that Chinook (king salmon) can literally jerk a rod out from the hands of an angler in the stern of a boat.

I used the coffee analogy because those youthful days I knew and appreciated are a thing of the past. It may appear to sound like I'm knocking the high-priced coffee shops, when in reality all I'm doing is bragging about the pot of coffee I brew and serve in my home.

But back to kids and fishing activities in schools.

Yes, there are collegiate bass fishing teams competing in tournaments. And there are even a few fly-fishing schools dedicated to bringing in new people to that aspect of the sport.

In southern states like Oklahoma, fishing tackle is provided to kids by a couple manufacturers so kids can have something to use out of school. And we have a smattering of similar activities in a very few Chicago neighborhoods.

Maybe someone can help me understand why us anglers have to try so hard to get school officials to understand what we're all about. If a lack of money is to blame I'll wager anglers can and would step up to the plate to help fund fishing activities

It's often an uphill battle trying to get youngsters out of their homes and into a fishing mode. It's also a battle to convince some people to try my coffee and ask for a second cup.

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, catch his radio show 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WGCO 1590-AM (live-streamed at www.1590WCGO.com) and get more content at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.