Story by Todd Goade | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
As I wrote in one of my earlier columns about superstitions, good luck charms also are prevalent in the world of fishing. Some that come to my mind are when Matt Arey leaves for an event his girls draw a chalk image on their driveway wishing their daddy good luck, Lulu Swindle writes inspirational notes on Gerald’s sandwich bags, and KVD with the cookies.
My good luck charm is my wife, and her ability to find four-leaf clovers. She is unbelievable at this. We can walk into a field of clover, and while I never see one, she always finds three or four. It is a skill I’ll apparently never possess.
Last year, before the season started, she gave me a four-leaf clover to put in my boat. I secured it in a piece of tape and put it in a bag I keep in the boat which has all of my licenses, boat insurance, and other stuff.
Leading the AOY race after the Saginaw Bay event last year I knew I needed to go to Eufaula, Oklahoma for pre-practice. A couple of days before we left, we were out in the yard, and she found a large four-leaf clover. She gave it to me and said “Put this one in your boat, too.”
I immediately went out to my shop and sealed that one with tape as well and added it to the collection. The rest is history. I was able to close out the season and earn the Progressive Angler of the Year title.
Those two clovers are still riding with me this season, and I think about them often. Maybe subliminally they keep me focused on the task at hand, but it’s probably because of what an amazing person my wife is. She keeps me grounded, and seeing those clovers reminds me of that.
If you see me out and about, I’d be excited to hear what your good luck charm is, and if I’m in my boat I’ll show you mine!
Good luck!
Todd Goade – Angler Profile
