Fishing with Emily

[Daniel My Brother]

When I go fishing I want to catch the most fish and the biggest fish. Maybe it's to boost my low self-esteem, or maybe I'm just greedy. Either way, that's what I want.

The exception is when I'm fishing with the kids. There is nothing better than seeing your child succeed in something that you love. Only heartless jerks and Cub fans want to out fish their own children.

This morning wasn't looking good. It was just after sunrise and I caught 3 quick fish while Emily struggled to find a bite. Then boom, she hooked into a good one. But just like that the fish jumped, shook its head, and spit the Brush Hog. I wanted to punch that bass in the face.

Emily, however, wasn't fazed and proceeded to catch fish after fish while all I could do was watch. Then at one point she hooked a small fish and asked Do you want to reel this one in? I reminded her that nobody likes a 10 year old with a smart mouth.

About 30 minutes later she hooked another one. But this one was different. This one was actually pulling drag. Now she had the most fish, and the biggest.

The sun got hot, and the wind picked up, so we moved to a quiet shady cove to eat a snack and do some exploring. Cedar Lake in Southern Illinois is my favorite, 40 miles of undeveloped wilderness in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest.

Emily chillin'

Cliff Sparrow nests

Looking up a crevice in the bluff

We fished a little more and I managed to salvage a little respect.

A great trip that I hope to repeat many times.

[grimlin]

@ "do you want to reel this one in".

Sounds like you had an awesome day.Enjoy it while you can!

[c17Lat]

That's what I'm talkin about, good largemouth fishing but in the middle of nowhere and out in the wilderness. i wish i had a lake like that close to my house. how big's the lake?

[c17Lat]

nvm. i missed the 40 miles part.

[Big-O]

And you, my friend, are AWESOME! Our world is wonderful because you and those like you keep planting these good seeds of unselfishness and care in the most fertile part of our society, OUR CHILDREN. "This too shall grow and multiply to bring forth much fruit"

Thanks Daniel .... U Da Man

Big O

[FD.]

It doesn't get any better than fishing with your kids.  Way to go....

FD

[paul.]

fantastic post man.  

[Mrs. Matstone]

That is awesome.. I am sorry I did not see this sooner. Congrats on a great outing that you will remember for a long time. I hope you are blessed with many more days like that.