Back in 2015 daughter # 3 joined the US Army and was shipped to Fort Sill Oklahoma for basic training. My wife and I of course drove to Fort Sill to be there for her graduation upon completion of boot camp. It was a two and a half day drive. We attended the graduation and had three days to visit with, Sarah Rose... uh, I mean Private Cross.

 

I had to, of course, do some fishing while I was there and so one day while the the girls were off doing girl things I got a one day Oklahoma fishing permit. I ask around about a lake or river that was local and open to the public. I don't remember the name of the lake but I parked the truck and ventured into a cow pasture. When I got to the shore the problem was that the water was bathtub clear and as far out everywhere I looked it was really shallow... like (if I was to) walk out 70 yards, it would be only be two foot deep. No cover, just small rocks. Anyway I finally caught this bass on a spinner bait. I could see him hit out 75 feet from shore. Only had a couple of hours and that was my bass of the day,

 

Sarah went on in the Army to be a combat medic in the 82nd Airborne stationed at Fort Bragg NC (were I took basic training in 1968). She was a high level gymnast before joining and very strong, thrives on physical challenges.  She did 24 jumps without too much damage ~ I think. (see photos) 

 

You’ve got to be a proud papa! ? And nice bass too. 

fort sill itself is home to many ponds and acers of land. all you need is an ok state fishing license, take a 30-45 minute safety class, pay for the base pass (about 50$ for the year) and you can fish year round with 2 other guests fishing as well. after taking the first class all you need to do is renew the pass every year. other bases have similar attractions. like fort Jackson for instance. when I finished basic training there, my brother and parents came for family day and we got to fish the ponds and we later found out your allowed to fish the golf courses there as well (so long as you aren't disturbing the golfers).