In the heart of Chicago, Patricia ‘TrishadaFisha’ Cole is making waves not just with her fishing prowess, but also through the literary endeavors of her granddaughter.
Cole’s quick wit and infectious enthusiasm bring her passion for fishing to life, as she describes her twelve grandchildren’s obsession with the sport.
Among them, granddaughter Nadia Cole-Whalum has emerged as a notable figure in her own right, recently penning a children’s book titled ‘Girls Fish Too!’ The story features the adventures of Nadia and her grandmother, TrishadaFisha, as they aim to teach a group of girls how to fish and compete in a fishing contest.
Their journey is far from easy, as they face skepticism and derision from boys who can’t bear the thought of being outperformed by girls.
“Men cannot stand seeing girls and women outfishing them,” admits Cole, highlighting a truth that resonates within the fishing community.
Despite acknowledging that more men typically fish than women, Cole’s experience in a male-dominated environment has instilled her with invaluable lessons.
Her journey into the world of salmon fishing began back in 2005, thanks to a fortunate encounter with the late South Side fishing legend, Danilo “Dax” Xhamilton.
While driving along South Lake Shore Drive, Cole noticed a man riding his bicycle with a large fish.
She inquired about where to fish, and soon found herself on the 63rd Street pier, guided by Dax’s expertise.
It was under his mentorship that she caught her first salmon, equipped with a Little Cleo, nicknamed Lady Bug, distinguished by its bright yellow with orange dots.
Dax’s encouragement fueled Cole’s passion, and she later learned from other lakefront legends, including Eddie Hudson and the late Sean Buckner. Collectively, these experiences transformed her into the angler she is today, leading to her adoption of the fishing moniker, TrishadaFisha.
In a beautiful familial twist, Cole was completely unaware that Nadia was writing a book about their shared passion for fishing.
“I had no idea she was writing a story about fishing with her grandmother,” Cole expressed, her excitement evident.
It was a delightful surprise that left her momentarily speechless.
Nadia’s writing talent seems to have flourished unexpectedly.
As part of a creative family, she is not the only one aiming to chronicle their experiences; Rebekah Cole, Nadia’s mother, is also working on an animation project.
The roots of creativity run deep in the family tree, tracing back to Cole’s father, Henry Markham Mitchell.
He lived with his family in the early days of the Mother Cabrini project and was the mastermind behind ‘The Cabrini Observer’, a monthly newspaper meant to bridge communities of different races and nationalities.
Cole shares a fond memory from ‘Girls Fish Too!’, a scene where Nadia enthusiastically informs her grandma about a fishing contest, saying, “Grandma, guess what! There’s a fishing contest for kids next month! We can participate and win the prize! I know we can!”
This moment captures the spirit of encouragement and the bond shared between Nadia and her grandmother.
Having already learned the basics of fishing from Cole, Nadia and her friends are excited yet slightly hesitant, but they find comfort in knowing that TrishadaFisha will coach them.
“‘She has won many contests. She is so good that people call her Trish-da-fisha!’” Cole recalls Nadia saying with pride.
Cole’s own accolades include finishing second in one of Henry’s Sports and Bait salmon tournaments, where she earned a medal and a fishing rod, a testament to her skills and dedication.
“I was privileged to know and love Henry, who always warmly welcomed me at the bait shop,” she reminisced, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship in her life.
Henry Palmisano, who passed away, had a significant influence on many local anglers, and it was his encouragement that prompted Cole to enter the salmon tournament.
Reflecting on Nadia’s fishing abilities, Cole proudly states, “She’s an avid fisherman. She loves fishing.”
Every week, Nadia and her mother have quality time at their private pond, honing their skills together while also learning how to properly handle and bait the fish.
As they continue this journey, Cole hopes to instill yet another skill in them: the art of filleting bluegills.
Conversing with TrishadaFisha is almost like embarking on a journey through memory and language, creating a vivid tapestry of years spent by the water, filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for fishing.
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