FISH 24 7
05-10-2001, 07:27 PM
I just wanted to share a story with you all from my day today. My 5 year old son, Hank and I decided that we'd play a day of hooky from his preschool (much to his mother's chagrin) and take out the boat for a little bit of "action" on the water. Hank waited with anticipation as we planned our assault of the local hole. We loaded up all the essentials... pop, pretzels, worms, minnows and equipment.
As we were dropping the boat in the water, he leaned over to me and asked if I "wanna bet a quarter on the first fish?" I'm guessing he's heard that enough from me and his grandpa before to know that's the standard bet when puttin' er in. We took a run across the water, up the creek and to our first stop. We reviewed the practice casts we've been taking in the back yard with plugs over the last few years and now had "real" bait on the hook. No Dice....... not a bite for about half an hour.
Hank suggested that we travel to a bunch of trees, cuz " ... I saw on a show once they hang out there, Dad." We did and we proceeded to have one of the best days I've ever had in my life. One bluegill after another and he had the catch, release (after playing with them in the livewell for a period of time) and culling thing down pat. It's amazing to me how much young ones learn from just watching. Their ability to grasp all the details is amazing to me. I wish I had that much capacity to ask questions and store the information all over again.
After we pulled off the lake, we came home, grabbed a buddy of his and showed him and my wife our proud catch of the day. I filleted the offering and the four of us had them for supper tonight.
As I was putting him to bed tonight, he said, "Hey Dad... can we do that every day?" I just beamed with pride as I knew a fisherman was born in my presence today. I almost starting crying as all the good times I have had fishing with my Dad came back to me right then and there. What a day, what a memory...
As I started out the door and turned out the light, Hank softly said, "Hey Dad.... you owe me a quarter."
Then, I did cry. I'm so proud to be a fisherman and a Dad right now. I wish everyone could have the kind of day I had today!
Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556
As we were dropping the boat in the water, he leaned over to me and asked if I "wanna bet a quarter on the first fish?" I'm guessing he's heard that enough from me and his grandpa before to know that's the standard bet when puttin' er in. We took a run across the water, up the creek and to our first stop. We reviewed the practice casts we've been taking in the back yard with plugs over the last few years and now had "real" bait on the hook. No Dice....... not a bite for about half an hour.
Hank suggested that we travel to a bunch of trees, cuz " ... I saw on a show once they hang out there, Dad." We did and we proceeded to have one of the best days I've ever had in my life. One bluegill after another and he had the catch, release (after playing with them in the livewell for a period of time) and culling thing down pat. It's amazing to me how much young ones learn from just watching. Their ability to grasp all the details is amazing to me. I wish I had that much capacity to ask questions and store the information all over again.
After we pulled off the lake, we came home, grabbed a buddy of his and showed him and my wife our proud catch of the day. I filleted the offering and the four of us had them for supper tonight.
As I was putting him to bed tonight, he said, "Hey Dad... can we do that every day?" I just beamed with pride as I knew a fisherman was born in my presence today. I almost starting crying as all the good times I have had fishing with my Dad came back to me right then and there. What a day, what a memory...
As I started out the door and turned out the light, Hank softly said, "Hey Dad.... you owe me a quarter."
Then, I did cry. I'm so proud to be a fisherman and a Dad right now. I wish everyone could have the kind of day I had today!
Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556