Hi all! My name is Rob, and as the title suggests, I am a "new" fisherman in the Jacksonville area. I've lived here since the end of 2009, when I was stationed at NS Mayport. I was in the Navy, for almost 13 years. I'm married, and have two kids, to which my son (the oldest at 8yrs old) loves fishing. His birthday was last July, so we bought him a tackle bag, and accessories to fill it. Since being honorably discharged last September, I finally landed a job at Academy Sports & Outdoors. It's similar to Dick's or Sports Authority. Anyway, I work in the Field and Stream department, and have been learning (everyday from customers and coworkers) the little intricacies of fishing salt or freshwater. I've fished off an on since childhood, but was never more serious about it till now. I told my son to always remember two things when fishing: have fun, and don't get discouraged. It's because of him that I want to go fishing [with him] all the time. For those of you familiar with the area, he caught a small saltwater catfish at Reddie Point Preserve, and the look on his face was priceless. I don't care if I catch anything. I care and want him to catch the fish. I want him to become the fisherman that I'm still trying to be. I want him to recall those old memories after I'm long gone, and tell his grandkids that he "caught a whopper of a fish with my Dad". My daughter (5yrs old) on the other hand, loses interest fast. But that's ok, I've got patience (or so I think). So that's my story. I'm sorry it's a bit long. Just wanted to say hi, glad to be here, thanks (in advance) for all the help, tricks, and tips you offer. And if you are in the Jacksonville, FL area, could you give me a couple of spots I can take my son fishing. So far we've only been to Reddie Point and Hanna Park. Thanks all!
