Rev. Klockers: The Ten Commandments and the ‘double blessing’ code of fishing

Some of the Ten Commandments tell us: You shall not kill, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness against your neighbor or covet his/her stuff.

Two summers ago, our family went to visit some friends who live on the west side of the mountains, specifically, Port Angeles. Their names are Curt and Lori. During our time together, I had the opportunity to go salmon fishing with Curt on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Curt is a veteran fisherman of both salmon and halibut. He has all the right gear. He has all the knowledge. He knows exactly what he is doing. He hooked me up with four nice salmon in three outings out on the water.

On the first of these trips, as we skimmed across the surface of the water, Curt nodded his head toward a certain boat. He then volunteered to me that the person on that boat would ask him all sorts of questions. They covered all aspects of Curt’s fishing expertise.

The problem was that this person, once he got what he wanted, offered nothing in return. So, Curt gave him the cold shoulder.

I learned that there was a “code” among the local fisherman. There were circles of trust.

In these circles were people who got to know each other and then looked out for one another. They would openly share information with the understanding that information would also be received – mutual reciprocity.

I have discovered something similar here in Moses Lake. Just like my saltwater experience, our lake has a code among certain circles of fisherman. They give generously and receive generously within their circle.

If you are outside of their circle, however, information may be tough to pry away. A person may inquire but might only receive a reluctant, incomplete response or stark silence.

I have learned that many fishermen live by this code of “double blessing.” They avoid one-way relationships; however, they tend to give freely to those who care to return the favor.

If only we could all give this freely, and not just with fishing.

The Ten Commandments are not so much a list of do’s and don’ts as much as promoting a formula for a community – in the hopes of creating a society of selflessness, where we look out for each other.

Admittedly, such an ideal seems impossible, but just imagine what it would be like if all of us would at least strove to do so.

So, why not set the hook on that, reel it in, and net the results?

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.