Arnold Chavez’s journey began years ago when his dad first took him out fishing. It was occasional, not a weekly ritual, but enough to leave a lasting impression and a passion for wanting more.
“I always remember that being the next thing I wanted the following week,” Chavez said. “As I grew up, fishing was the freedom that I had. It called to me.”
The 22-year-old, from Lincoln, Nebraska, didn’t expect fishing to become such a steady part of his life, but it was his brother who reignited the spark. The two began going out together, from quiet mornings on Holmes Lake to chilly overnights at Conestoga Lake, it became their bond.
“My brother and I butt heads a lot. He’s had my rods fall out of the truck,” Chavez said, grinning. “But at the end of the day, he’s the one who got me into it. He is always willing to give me a ride to Conestoga and other lakes. I also got my cousin into it this year, so we are trying to fish a lot.”
Chavez credited his family for keeping his love of fishing alive.
“My family is one of the biggest reasons I stay in it. It’s nice to come back and tell them I caught this fish and how my day of fishing went. Family is everything to me,” he smiled.
Beyond the memories, fishing taught Chavez valuable life lessons, one being patience.
“I used to not be a patient person. When I first started fishing, I would go for 30 minutes, and if I didn’t catch anything, I’d leave. It has helped me become a better teacher. When I bring my friends or cousins fishing, I can take my time and explain fishing to them. Hopefully, they come back and keep me company.”
That kind of perseverance didn’t come naturally to him, but over time, the rhythm of fishing reshaped his mindset.
“There have been many situations where a lure doesn’t work or the fishing spot wasn’t hitting,” he said. “You can’t give up in the first 30 minutes, not even the first hour. It takes patience and maybe you will finally get a fish after the first hour. So, don’t give up.”
Chavez is now preparing for his first Cornhusker State Games. He fished in a small tournament before, but this will be his biggest competition yet and a chance to test himself in a new setting.
The shore-fishing event presented by Nebraska Sports Council begins at 7 a.m. at Holmes Lake in Lincoln and ends around 9:30 a.m., with awards given for fish size and species.
“I wanted to try it out this year and take it more seriously. I know I can prove myself while having fun at the same time,” Chavez said.
It will also be the first time his family sees him fish competitively. Usually, he goes out alone or with his brother.
“I’m excited to meet people and for my family to watch me because they never come with me,” he said, laughing. “Now they kind of have to.”
Beyond competing, Chavez has found joy in sharing the hobby with others. He helped his cousins, brother and friends get started, passing on what he learned. The best advice he can give is the importance of the mindset you come in with.
“Have fun with it. You can take it seriously, but at the end of the day, it is supposed to be fun, especially when you start hooking fish,” he said. “Always have a good attitude, and a smile will give you confidence.”
As he prepares for the Cornhusker State Games, Chavez thinks less about the leaderboard and more about the memories he makes on the lake with his family supporting him.
