Marge and Homer throw a party. Homer gets drunk and humiliates himself by leering at Maude Flanders, telling off total strangers, and stumbling over furniture. The next day at church, Marge signs up for a weekend retreat of marraige counseling hosted by Reverend Lovejoy and his wife. She recruits Grampa to babysit the kids for a weekend.

Homer finds out that the retreat will be held at Catfish Lake and packs his fishing pole. On the way there, he learns of the legendary catfish, General Sherman. Meanwhile, at home, left with Grampa's weak authority, Bart and Lisa decide to throw a party. At the lake the next day, Homer tries to sneak away to go fishing. Marge is upset that he would choose fishing over their marraige. Homer takes a walk instead. On a dock, he picks up an abandoned fishing pole. The pole yanks him and pulls him along the pier, into the a rowboat, and out onto the lake. From their cabin window, Marge watches Homer struggle with the fish. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa's party has ended and the house is a mess. Fearing that Grampa will get into trouble, they frantically clean up.

Marge attends the workshops alone while Homer catches his trophy fish. When he returns, Marge tells him that their marraige is in serious trouble if he values a fish more than her. To prove that he loves her, Homer lets the fish go. Marge forgives Homer and they return home--house intact.