Kathryn Kriss practically lived on Fernan Lake as a child growing up in Coeur d'Alene

So, it was no big deal when someone dropped something and watched it disappear into the murky water.

Fishing poles and glasses often went missing - but not for long.

"We got used to fishing things out," Kriss said.

Those talents are still being put to good use.

Last Friday morning, Kriss was fishing off the dock with her son at Fernan Lake and got to chatting with an older gentleman fishing with his grandson.

Later, the man accidentally knocked the top section of his grandson's fishing pole into the water. It promptly sank out of sight.

Kriss said the grandson became ill and upset at the loss of the prized pole, reportedly a gift, and had to be taken home.

"For a little boy to get so ill like that, it had to be very heartbreaking," she said.

Later, Kriss decided to try and retrieve the pole by using a pen knife and a three-pronged hook at the end of a line, and dragging the lake bottom just off the dock.

"Sure enough, it came up," she said.

That's the good news.

Kriss is angling for a happy ending on this fish tale, so she's seeking to hook up the pole with the grandfather and boy. Problem is, she doesn't know their names.

This is where you can help.

Based on her observations and conversation with the man, Kriss offered some clues to his identity: About 60 years old, gray beard, drives a red truck, owns a black and white, long-haired Chihuahua, lives around 19th and Nettleton and attends Real Life Ministries.

Kriss is hoping to mend what she believes is a little boy's broken heart.

Anyone who might know the grandfather and grandson sought by Kriss is asked to call her, 772-8214.