A Fair Catch

The hooked bass pulls toward submerged roots. Ema braces on the bank and keeps the rod bent.

Ema: “Steady.” “I know that trick.”

Ema moves along the rocky bank and guides the fish toward clearer water.

Ema: “This way.”

Ema controls the reel while the bass pulls, allowing some line to leave the spool.

Sound: “Zzz…” Ema: “You can have a little line.”

Ema crouches and lowers the landing net into the water as the bass comes closer.

Ema: “Easy now.”

Ema guides the bass over the net and into the mesh while keeping it at the water’s edge.

Ema: “That’s it.”

The bass rests in the submerged net. Ema opens the tackle box and takes out pliers.

Ema: “Stay in the water.”

Ema uses pliers to remove the lure from the bass while it remains in the net.

Ema: “Almost done.”

Ema puts the recovered lure in the tackle box, then returns attention to the bass in the water.

Ema: “You’re going back.”

Ema lowers and tilts the net. The bass swims free and heads toward the submerged roots.

Ema: “There you go.”

Ema watches the bass swim away, then sits beside the empty net.

Ema: “See you around.” Caption: “A fair catch.”

Ema places Dad’s lure in the tackle box, closes the lid, and sits with the rod beside the river.

Ema: “Thanks, Dad.”

Ema walks away along the bank toward the bridge, pauses to look at the pool, then continues.

Ema: “I’m learning.” Captions: “End of episode 03.” “The first adventure • Complete.”