When he was just learning to read, my son, Derek, colored a picture titled “Swim with Fish.” As a proud mother, I snapped a photo of his great work. I had no idea back then where that colorful picture would take us. God has a plan for each of us and gives us all at least one special gift. Derek’s gift is fishing. Derek loves to fish, and even as a young boy, he always gently handled the fish he caught, as if he were speaking to them.
One day, Derek caught one of the biggest catfish ever. Not only that, but that same day he also saved a life. What an amazing adventure! The moment I saw what Derek and his friend were doing and how much compassion they had for this big fish, I knew I had to share this tale with the world. This is a true story of a boy, a friend, and a fish (and how it led to many more incredible fishing expeditions). Do you like to fish? Would you like more adventure in your life? If you say “yes,” then follow us as we create a series of books about true, unique, and awesome fishing encounters.
Available now at:
Coming Soon ▾
Debbie Pietsch
Debbie Pietsch is a portrait photographer living in Montgomery, Texas. She loves nature and specializes in photographing seniors and families in outdoor locations. Fishing has been a part of her life ever since childhood, when she learned to fish from her dad at a pond on the family farm. Debbie has enjoyed watching her sons fish and seeing how their passion has turned into a lifelong journey filled with opportunities to learn patience, meet friends, and help others. Debbie photographed their many adventures to countless lakes, ponds, rivers, and tournaments and continues to be involved in fishing through the Montgomery ISD fishing team, as well as her sons’ continuing fishing adventures.
Debbie also enjoys cooking for her family and making jewelry. In her spare time, she creates and designs custom fishing albums featuring fishing events of the year. Debbie and her husband, Kenneth, have two sons, Grant and Derek and have enjoyed many vacations that have led to some very exciting adventures, creating memories for a lifetime.
Debbie Pietsch
Debbie Pietsch is a portrait photographer living in Montgomery, Texas. She loves nature and specializes in photographing seniors and families in outdoor locations. Fishing has been a part of her life ever since childhood, when she learned to fish from her dad at a pond on the family farm. Debbie has enjoyed watching her sons fish and seeing how their passion has turned into a lifelong journey filled with opportunities to learn patience, meet friends, and help others. Debbie photographed their many adventures to countless lakes, ponds, rivers, and tournaments and continues to be involved in fishing through the Montgomery ISD fishing team, as well as her sons’ continuing fishing adventures.
Debbie also enjoys cooking for her family and making jewelry. In her spare time, she creates and designs custom fishing albums featuring fishing events of the year. Debbie and her husband, Kenneth, have two sons, Grant and Derek and have enjoyed many vacations that have led to some very exciting adventures, creating memories for a lifetime.
Derek Pietsch
Derek Pietsch studies Maritime Business at Texas A&M in Galveston, Texas. He is a member of the Texas A&M Fishing Team, where he has qualified for three national championships. Between classes, he surfs and fishes. Because he lives near the ocean, he loves to saltwater fish, catching flounder, red fish, trout, and sharks. His true love, however, is freshwater, where he catches bass, catfish, and crappie. If water is around, Derek believes there is a fish in it and that he will find it. Derek enjoys the peacefulness of being outdoors with nature. Derek often gives his friends the same experience that he loves so much. He sets the hook and hands over the rod so they, too, can experience the overwhelming “Thrill of the Reel” as they bring in their first catfish, bass, bull reds, and other fish.
Derek Pietsch
Derek Pietsch studies Maritime Business at Texas A&M in Galveston, Texas. He is a member of the Texas A&M Fishing Team, where he has qualified for three national championships. Between classes, he surfs and fishes. Because he lives near the ocean, he loves to saltwater fish, catching flounder, red fish, trout, and sharks. His true love, however, is freshwater, where he catches bass, catfish, and crappie. If water is around, Derek believes there is a fish in it and that he will find it. Derek enjoys the peacefulness of being outdoors with nature. Derek often gives his friends the same experience that he loves so much. He sets the hook and hands over the rod so they, too, can experience the overwhelming “Thrill of the Reel” as they bring in their first catfish, bass, bull reds, and other fish.
