Went fishing with my son yesterday

[cd1]

I left work early yesterday so I could go fishing before a huge cold front pounded the region.  Usually I fish alone but I made some calls to see if any of my redneck trouble-maker friends might want to go.  Nobody could get away.  When I called the house I asked the wife to see if my 12 year old son wanted to go.  He fishes with me sometimes when we stay at the lake, but I don't ever force bass fishing on him.  I know that it can be tough and boring...and my long term plan is that if I don't force it on him he might grow to love it over time.  I know that if someone forced it on me I'd have hated it.

So without even looking up from his video game he says "yep."  I was surprised.  He loooooves to hunt...but so far he's been just "OK" with fishing...specifically freshwater fishing.  If I asked him if he wanted to chase some redfish in the Gulf he'd be in the truck with my keys before I got done asking the question...he loves that.  But bass...not so much (probably because his guide sucks). 

So I pick him up and we head to the lake.  Conditions were really good.  It wasn't the normal 8 million degrees (kelvin) with crazy humidity...it was just comfortable...especially when the sun dropped behind the hills.  We talked about all kinds of fishing stuff...what conditions are good for fishing...what lures to throw...does wind help?  He had tons of questions. 

We started fishing the mouth of the marina and I caught one on a crank bait.  I handed him the rod and let him battle the fish.  Awesome!  Our first fish of the day...the pressure on the fishing-guide has just been lowered a notch.  He was all smiles after landing that fish.  Next we worked our way along the rock wall that protects the marina.  I was in the back of the boat fooling with some gear when I hear it..."Oooh!   I got one!" 

I LOVE the way it surprises people when they catch a fish.  Somebody jumping out of a closet and yelling "boo!" can hardly equal the shock.  I looked up and he was half-crouched and biting his tongue, and his shoulders were twisted sideways and he was just mentally and physically trying to figure out the best way to actually land a fish.  It was awesome to watch.  He inherited the fishing gene that causes one to mumble incoherently when you catch a fish.  There were lots of noises and incomplete sentences along the way and when that fish jumped out of the water 10 feet from the boat I think my son jumped even more than the fish.  It totally surprised him to see that bass breach and shake and walk on his tail as he tried to shake the hook.  He was physically connected to the struggling beast by line and bent rod and to actually see it take flight made it an emotional connection as well.  He landed the fish and with a huge smile we took our second picture of the day. 

He was now talking about how much fun this was. 

Next I had him take the wheel.  I gave him a quick lesson on why you wear a lifejacket and a kill switch and off we went.  Every time we go to the lake I let him drive so he can learn how to safely run a boat under all conditions, daytime, night time, managing boat traffic, using nav lights...he's a great student.  Bun in addition to learning...driving a boat is just plain FUN!  Watching him hit the throttle, work the wheel, and trim it up makes me smile alllllmoooost as much as it makes him smile.

So we blast down the lake to our next spot.  By now all we could talk about was how perfect the fishing and the weather had gotten.  It was a beautiful evening with calm water and very light traffic. 

The next fish he caught shook the hook RIGHT next to the boat which caused a reaction that many of you will be familiar with.  It was an emotional outburst fill with "OH YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!"  and "OH MAN THAT ONE WAS HUGE TOO...DID YOU SEE HOW BIG HE WAS!?"

The fish did us right last night...we caught several more and we ran up and down the lake just enjoying the atmosphere and the company.  As we pulled back into the marina under the stars he said "this is fun...we should do this more often."  I smiled in the dark thinking "mission accomplished."

[BassmanRudy]

AWESUM story man!! Glad to hear y'all had a great time out on the water. 


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[Ron Fogelson]

..."Oooh!   I got one!" 

I LOVE the way it surprises people when they catch a fish.  Somebody jumping out of a closet and yelling "boo!" can hardly equal the shock.

  I love that as well! 

Thanks for the story about ya'alls trip,,, not much better than time on the water unless you are on the water with family and/or friends!

Fogy

[Bigwrench]

Sounds like some good memories were made ! That's what it's all about ! My boys fishing guide ain't no good either lol.

[bassindude]

Great story Cd1.  Glad it was a memorable trip.  Jim