From weatherman to fisherman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Waking up at 3 a.m. to get his fishing equipment together is a habit necessary to be the first on the lake. He gets his boat in the water and prepares for the day.

"I can remember going out with my dad when I was about 2 or 3 years old," said Senior Airman George Trosper, 47th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster. "One time I went fishing with him and caught eight or nine fish, and it just took off from there."

Trosper's knowledge on the subject is so vast it's hard to believe that he does anything else. He's developed his own technique over the years and has even taken on the next level of the sport: fishing tournaments.

"I competed in a tournament on the lake here in Del Rio, Texas, and felt I did pretty good," said Trosper. "I got the call about results and the guy said I took sixth place. Lake Amistad use to be number one, so everyone should experience the challenges of the this lake at least once. The lake makes Laughlin a very good station for a fisherman."

Confidence is paramount to Trosper, and he holds it as the key to his success. On average he catches 8 to10 fish per outing, and he relates that to his demeanor.

"Fishing is definitely an art because you have to perfect your technique. It is all about the confidence in your technique," said Trosper. "Also my career in weather has helped me understand more about how the fish react to weather, which I carry over to my sport."

Trosper conveys his confidence in more than just fishing, he enjoys teaching friends and curious inquirers about weather codes and how to read them at work.

"Trosper is very confident and work oriented," said Kaylee Lewis, Trosper's fiancé. "He's also very passionate in what he does. He could have ended up with any job in the Air Force, but as soon as he heard he was working in weather he became very passionate about it."

Like weather, fishing can also be hard to predict at times, but the challenge won't slow Trosper down from doing what he loves.

"Each time the line is cast out it can change the day and go from catching nothing to catching an 8 or 10 pound fish," said Trosper.

Sunday is a common day for Trosper to be found talking with the fish on the lake as it seems to be his sanctuary.

"Growing up, my family didn't really go to church; we went fishing on Sundays," said Trosper. "It can get to be a little spiritual for me."

Over all, Trosper is very humble and thankful for what he has. He never takes a day of doing what he loves for granted and prefers to look on the brighter side.

"I've had a couple of days where I didn't catch anything," said Trosper, "but it's still a great sport and a nice way to spend the day."