a very serious investigation into freshwater fish fashion
an investigation nobody requested, but one I was uniquely qualified to conduct.
Just coming off of the most lovely week at the lake with our family. I’ve shared my absolute love for the lake before, so I won’t bore you with it again here. I think I’ve maxed out my use of the phrase “in my ___ era,” so I’ll do my best not to declare this my fishing era.
A few weeks ago, I formally declared my love for fishing. At the lake, I stayed committed to the cause — one ultimate goal: catch a fish at all costs. I was willing to wrestle a fish out of the net of a five-year-old who caught one in my vicinity.
“At all costs” meant, at times, making it appear as if my Four-Shirted-Husband™ was a single dad who worked two jobs, and I was just some middle-aged grandma among the young children casting and reeling on repeat.
And then, it happened. I felt the tug, saw the splash, and had a mild panic. If I reel this thing in, then what do I do? I felt like I needed heavy-duty gloves! I wasn’t equipped for this task, and my husband was floating in the lake somewhere. I wondered, AM I BUILT FOR THIS? I whispered to myself, “You are an independent woman.”
Alas, it happened, and I reeled in my first fish. And a new hyperfixation slash nonproductive hobby was born.
Therefore, it only felt right to create an entire post dedicated to outfits inspired by the various freshwater fish in our lake. I reel-y hope you love it. 🎣
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Fish File: Big, bold, and the undeniable main character. A perfect mix of athletic and dramatic, with iconic stripes!
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Striped Bass
Fish File: Quiet confidence. Prefers golden hour, minds its own biz and somehow always looks expensive without trying.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Walleye
Fish File: The outdoorsy bestie who says, "Let's just do a quick hike," and then somehow you’re scaling a damn mountain. Equal parts athletic, adventurous and incapable of sitting still.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Smallmouth Bass
Fish File: Sunshine in fish form. Bright, cheerful, and always looks like it's having a better day than the rest of us.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Yellow Perch
Fish File: Small yet charismatic. Gives "I'm just pumped to be invited" energy and somehow becomes everyone's BFF by the end of the night.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Bluegill
Fish File: Low-key slightly intimidating with those teeth. Serving luxury villain energy.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Chain Pickerel
Fish File: In my opinion, the “influencer” of freshwater fishing. Confident. Competitive. If fish had hair, this one would always be pretending there is an invisible fan blowing its hair back.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Largemouth Bass
Fish File: Bottom-dwelling legend. Doesn't care what anyone thinks. Prioritizes comfort over trends.
OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Catfish
Recently on Rambling In Style
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s fun to be enthusiastic about something. I shared with my husband that I want to get a vest, and he chuckled before realizing the degree of seriousness in my voice.
As we navigate life and try to find hobbies that provide genuine enjoyment, who cares if you’re a “try hard?” Who cares if you wear a t-shirt with the band to the actual concert? If you’re enthusiastic about something because you love it, lean in with your whole heart!
Even if that means wearing fish earrings, a bass t-shirt, and a Patagonia fanny pack for no apparent reason.
You only get one shot at this life, so you might as well have fun doing it.
Well, that was oh-fish-ally fun.
Which freshwater fish icon do you identify with the most? Let me know in the comments!
That’s all for this week. Keep it reel, my friends. The dad jokes will not stop.
Love ya, mean it!
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OOTF might be the greatest contribution to fashion discourse this year
the catfish is a little bit saucy ain’t she???