Jim Langley: The Messy Side of Fishing

Jim Langley revisits the “messy side” of fishing by linking a personal upbringing with religious themes about being a “fisher of men.” He recalls fishing trips near Cibolo Creek in Texas Hill Country, fishing with his grandparents and his cousin Peggy, and taking home fish for meals. Around age 8 or 9, he was tasked with cleaning, scaling, and refrigerating the catch, which he later connects to his shift toward catch and release. As he grew, he moved from cane poles to more advanced gear, including fly fishing and making lures. Langley then draws from Scripture, citing Matthew 4:18–20, describing Jesus calling Simon Peter and Andrew to follow and become “fishers of men,” followed by James and John. He also references the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20, arguing that discipleship can become “messy” through intimate study and encouragement between believers.