By Paul Lebowitz

“You think you’ve got your entire life,” sighed Brian Hawkins as a shadow of sadness flitted across his face. The inventor of the L.A. Slider, Megabait’s swimbait with the unique internal jighead, was explaining the origin of the bait’s name. The initials L.A. pay tribute to his late nephew ‘Little’ Anthony Engel, whose life ended suddenly at the tragically young age of nine.

A few weeks before his untimely passing Anthony had visited his uncle’s garage workshop. As Hawkins carved wooden lure masters, Anthony, a “quiet, curious, active child,” worked on his own lure, a bluegill. The youngster asked Hawkins when they could go fishing. Hawkins replied that they could go sometime soon. The trip never happened.   

Hawkins still feels the loss. “You think I’ll be able to take him fishing in a month or two. I felt like I let him down,” recalled Hawkins.

Little Anthony was an enthusiastic and committed young angler. Hawkins’ voice brightened as he remembered a story that was vintage Anthony. “His father had taken him up to Arizona to fish. They hadn’t caught anything. When it was time to go, Anthony said, ‘No Dad, a good fisherman has patience. We have to hang out until the fish show up.’”

Anthony joined a neighbor on an ocean fishing trip just two weeks prior to his death. Hawkins fondly recalls the photo showing the boy, “your average kid,” posing with a 10-pound yellowtail. “It was classic. He looked so serious, but with a little smile. He was so pumped to see the fish,” said Hawkins.

“It hurts,” said Hawkins, no doubt understating the depth of emotion. “He didn’t get to do it, to catch fish all day.” Hawkins’ voice then trailed off into a silence that echoed with the many experiences Anthony would have loved, but sadly never had the opportunity to enjoy.

TAKE A KID FISHING – Fishing is a creative, healthy outdoor activity for kids. It’s also a great way for parents and kids to spend time together, something L.A. Slider inventor Brian Hawkins wishes he could do with his late nephew ‘Little’ Anthony, pictured here with a friend. Every time Hawkins uses the bait named in his nephew’s memory, Anthony is along in spirit. PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN HAWKINS

Little Anthony is gone but not forgotten. Every time Hawkins uses the L.A. Slider, Anthony is along in spirit. “For me, it’s like taking him fishing,” said Hawkins.

The pain of a young life cut far too short is a constant reminder to Hawkins of the tenuous nature of life. The father of his own three kids, Hawkins doesn’t want to see the potential of any young life wasted. “My slogan is take a kid fishing and keep him drug free,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins considers fishing a creative, healthy outdoor activity for kids, something to keep them away from drugs or running with the wrong crowd. But the most important aspect of fishing with children is simply to spend time together. “It’s a bonding thing,” said Hawkins, who advises starting kids with simple and enjoyable techniques.