Bringing in a big salmon on Lake Michigan.

By Tom Shanklin

“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” Luke 5:4-11, KJV.

I have always found it fascinating that Jesus called fishermen to be on His ministry team.

One might have thought that He would be looking for people with special intellectual and social qualities to help Him reach the world. But no, I believe He was just looking for someone who was willing to work, someone who He could shape and mold into a world-changing Gospel minister.

Apparently, He wasn’t looking for perfect people either. When Simon Peter saw the miracle catch after obeying Jesus’ command, he fell at Jesus’ knees and cried, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Miracles are like that. They humble you, and make you realize that Someone much greater than yourself is at work in your midst.

I am not the world’s greatest fisherman…but I have found that the Lord can teach you lessons through a fishing trip, just as He can from farming and from many things in the natural world.

Since Susan wrote earlier this year about the boat I purchased, some people have asked me how the fishing is going. Well, so far, we have managed to get out on nearby lakes three times, and have caught about that many fish. The fishing is just not that great around here in southern Minnesota. At least that’s my excuse.

But a friend of mine, Gordy Holter, must have been inspired by Susan’s story to invite me for a REAL fishing expedition. In August, I went salmon fishing on Lake Michigan with Gordy and two other Christian brothers.

It was a whirlwind adventure. We left Gordy’s home near Houston, MN, early on a Monday morning, drove across Wisconsin to Port Washington, WI. We went out on the Lake at about 3 p.m. until dark. Then dinner and to bed and we arose at 4 a.m. and went out and fished again until noon before traveling back. We didn’t fish long, but like Peter and his friends, we brought in a great haul of fish, a portion of which is in my freezer now.

Now the guys I was with were sportsmen types, at least more so than me, but the men who took us out on the lake were REAL commercial fishermen (pros). They, like Peter, were rugged and they were well trained in the art of using heavy tackle to catch salmon and trout in the deep waters of Lake Michigan.

Let me share a few heavy duty fishing lessons that I learned from this trip that may help you in fulfilling the Lord’s call on your life to catch men.

1. Anyone can do it! The experience or lack thereof of four guys from Minnesota didn’t matter a whole lot. Pat Spaeth and the experienced crew of Lori’s Pride made sure that everything was set up right to bring in a boatload of fish. I have come to realize that whatever you need to know can be learned from an experienced fisherman. Just ask questions. Sit under their ministry. Find out about the right presentation, how to set the hook, and how to stabilize yourself to reel in the big fish. Every skill for fishing can be learned. Don’t buy the lie that fishing for men is just for the evangelists. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make YOU fishers of men.”

2. Persistence pays. There were times when there was little action on the big fishing rods, but the crew of Lori’s Pride kept trying different locations, different depths, different baits and checking the sonar to see where the fish were. Keep fishing! Don’t give up! You will see souls come into the Kingdom of God.

3. Don’t focus on the one that got away. Sometimes we had great bites, but weren’t able to reel them in. It can be discouraging, but don’t give up. There are more fish in the sea. Sooner or later you’ll bring in the catch.

4. It really helps when God is involved. Peter was amazed at the great catch when Jesus gave His command to cast the net on the other side. Likewise, the men of Lori’s Pride have taken note that every time Gordy and his friends come on their boat, the catch is greater than usual. Not only that, but afterwards, they continue to catch more fish than before. I’ll tell you the truth, God is real and He does miracles for those who love and follow Him and believe His promises. He’ll fill your boat and put a smile on your face.

So get busy! Find a good guide to help you. Get yourself some heavy tackle and some good bait and go out fishing for men. Trust the Lord to lead you to the deep waters where the fish are biting. You’ll be amazed at the results!