A defining moment in Rich Doyle’s fishing life came in 1962 when the Little League baseball team manager posted a roster that did not include his name.

To cushion the disappointment, young Doyle’s dad took him to a local hardware store and bought him a fishing rod and reel. The father and son then went to Pine Lake south of North Lima, and the rest is history.

The stinging cut and the subsequent fishing trip certainly contributed to the “Why?” that lit the fire for fishing that burns in Doyle’s soul.

“I was an OK ball player, but I was the last guy cut,” he said, recalling that day 62 years ago. “So we went fishing at Pine and we had peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I can still taste them. It was the first time I ever heard a redwing blackbird. It was a wet morning, dewy and damp, and I thought Pine Lake was huge. My first fish was a bluegill. And I remember admiring the colors.”

The next week, the Little League coach called to tell the Doyles he had made a mistake and Rich could play on the team. “Dad said it was up to me, whatever I wanted to do. I said I’d rather go fishing.”

And so it has been, since that day long ago when father showed son the beauty of a misty morning, the art of casting without snagging trees, and the amazing opportunity to catch and release feisty panfish and bass.

Over the years, he loaded up on rods, reels, boats, motors and all of the tackle and accessories he wanted. At one point, he said, he owned three dozen rods and reels.

“Now,” said Doyle, “I think I’m going back full circle to those simpler days. I love going out with a pair of waders, a fistful of lures and a buggy-whip spinning rod – and I’m really enjoying it.”

He grew through his youth fishing whenever he could. After graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1972, he dabbled in studies at Ohio State and Youngstown State. He worked for many years at General Extrusions and later at the Kmart Distribution Center in Bazetta Township.

Doyle and his wife, Evelyn, raised a daughter and enjoyed their working years, getting in fishing trips when time allowed. Now retired and with some medical matters in their rearview mirror, the Doyles are continuing to enjoy time on the water.

“Last season we did about a half dozen trips. For Mother’s Day, I got her a Pennsylvania license and we went out to fish Pymatuning and celebrate life together. It was great, and I will do it even more this summer.

“I have a good buddy in Hermitage, who I think is the best fisherman in this area. We will be catching muskies and smallmouth bass wading at Pymatuning.”

The “Why?” for Doyle extends beyond fishing for sustenance.

“Yeah, at first, it was the blood lust. I’d catch bluegills and filet and cook them. But it got to a point where I didn’t need to kill them. I passed the blood lust stage. It’s now a getaway, an escape and a place to heal. I have more spiritual moments on the water, sunrise and sunset especially. I take my faith seriously, and I can feel I’m closer to my God when I’m fishing.”

His advice for people who think they want to fish is very simple: “Take in everything around you. It’s not just the fish. It’s everything you see — the sky, the water. There’s something so special about being away from YouTube, cable TV and the rat race. It’s a panacea.”

Heaven for Doyle is standing waist-deep in chest waders in cool water casting to fish he hopes are awaiting his lures. “I love wading. I’ve waded 80% of the Ohio side of Pymatuning. On foot, I have learned every inch of the shore. I’ve had three boats, but I like the fact I can carry everything I need in my vest. I like the freedom.”

He said with two knee surgeries behind him, he’s far from finished as a fisherman.

“When I’m an old man, even if I can’t get my waders on anymore, I’ll still go out and sit by the water and fish.”

Jack Wollitz is the author of “The Common Angler,” a book featuring stories about experiences that help define the “why” behind anglers’ passion for fishing. Email Jack at jackbbaass@gmail.com.