Most of us "old timers" and many of the top tournament anglers or fishing guides of today can easily remember a tall, beautiful Lady with long blond hair who graced the waters of Lake Lanier for nearly two decades. Her name is Elaine Chesser, but those of us who were honored to work and fish with her just called her "Lane". She was the first of her gender to make a living as a fishing guide on Lake Lanier, and she was one of the best guides to ever fish these waters!
Growing up with two brothers and an athletic older sister made Lane more than a little tom-boyish. She also grew much faster than many of the other kids her age, and by the time the former Elaine Brumbalow was in the 7th grade, she had already reached 5 foot, 8 inches.
Lane began playing basketball in the Lawrenceville Youth League, but quickly graduated to the Central Gwinnett High School team, where she played through her sophomore year. Like so many girls of that time, she soon discovered boys, and before her junior year, she married and became a mother.
Though Lane had two fine sons during her unhappy marriage, eventually, she was on her own again as a single mom. Lane had little or no work experience and was without a high school diploma, so the only job she could find was in the nursery section of a day care center.
At that time, my guide service on Lake Lanier was growing fast, and I was having difficulty finding and keeping good, reliable fishing guides. Having known Lane through midget football, I knew that her country background, her love of the outdoors, and her natural good looks would be great attributes for a fishing guide. When I first approached her with the idea, however, she refused, but reconsidered after I painted a mental picture about being away from dirty diapers, being on the lake every day, and making more money.
Lane's brother loaned her an old bass boat, and I put together enough of my used tackle to get her started. I gave her a crash course in fishing, boating safety, the lake, and how to entertain clients, and she learned fast!
Within a couple of weeks, I felt that she was ready, but she was very nervous. So, I put her with an elderly couple, who knew little about fishing, and were on their first guided fishing trip. As luck would have it, they caught plenty of fish, had a great time, and Lane's nervousness was replaced by her own "home spun" charms.
Over the following years, Lane became an accomplished fishing guide, and because of her quick country wit, friendly smile, and excellent rapport with people, she became very popular. Her expertise as a plastic worm fisherman made lots of professional bass anglers envious, but Lane never let it go to her head. She was always helpful to anyone, and spent much of her time trying to teach others.
Lane taught "the ropes" to many young fishing guides, readily shared her fishing skills and knowledge with young and old alike, and was counted on by many business leaders to provide their clients with excellent angling entertainment. Now, this once gorgeous, outgoing personality is ravaged by ovarian cancer, and she needs our help!
It seems that, sometimes, the best people that we know have the worst luck in life. Now, this beautiful woman, who was so much a part of the fishing scene on Lake Lanier during the 1980's and 1990's, is fighting for her life, and badly needs financial support and prayers from all of those that she touched. So, for those who enjoyed reading about her, were inspired by her, or have had personal contact with her over the years, here is a chance to help. A special account has been set up for her through her immediate family.
Donations can be sent to:
Larry Chesser Donations for Elaine Chesser
The Brand Bank Company
Snellville Branch
PO Box 343
Snellville, GA 30078
reprinted with permission of Bill Vanderford
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-289-1543, JFish51@aol.com, or at his web site: www.fishinglanier.com
