For Dean Perkins, a day without fishing is like a day without sunshine.
Vicki Baker
Endless, sleepless nights. Grueling hours of study. Stressful anticipation of the ultimate challenge. Who will succeed; who will fail? No, it wasn’t attending and completing dental school. Nor was it starting and maintaining a solo practice while supporting a family. We’re talking about decades of competing in multi-state bass fishing tournaments.
That’s Dean Perkins, Robson resident, retired dentist, avid angler, and integral member of the RR Fishing Club. His love of fishing started years ago, well before his move to Denton. Married and graduated from dental school, Dean and his wife Raynelle bought a house and existing dental practice in Kimberley City, Mo., and a bass boat, all on the same day. Life was good!
Their home and practice were located just a few miles from Table Rock Lake, situated in the heart of the Ozarks. Soon after joining the Kimberly City Fishing Club, Dean entered once-a-month bass tournaments. But the boat wasn’t left idle the remainder of the time. At the end of the work day, he and Raynelle were on the lake fishing and boating at least four or five days a week.
When free time allowed, they dragged the bass boat from Louisiana to North Carolina to Canada. No place was too far to fish.
There was even a time when Dean considered selling his dental practice and joining the professional bass fishing circuit. The idea was short lived when reality set in, knowing Raynelle would only go so far in following his passion.
Then a move to North Carolina placed them on the east coast. The bass boat was sold, and taking its place, a sea-worthy cruiser. Joining the Yacht Club, he was now angling for the ultimate sport game in the deep, open waters. Bass fishing was a thing of the past until their move to Robson Ranch and joining the Fishing Club.
Fast forward to today. With the passage of time, age is catching up with Dean and curtailing his life of fishing. It’s tough climbing in and out of a rocking boat. His not-so-nimble fingers make tying a lure or baiting a hook difficult. His less-than-youthful arms cast a line a bit too short.
Yes, Dean moves a little slower, his joints creak a bit more, and his body doesn’t serve him as well. But one thing remains stronger than ever, his lifelong memories out on the water watching and waiting for that monster catch of a lifetime. Posing the question, “If money was never an object, fishing or dentistry?” Without hesitation and that twinkle in his eye, Dean’s resounding reply, “Fishing. It’s in my blood!”
We fish, we catch, we build friendships and bonds. We’re the RR Fishing Club. Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at the Wildhorse Grill Boardroom at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, contact [email protected] or Scott Baker at 214-334-7664.