Maybe, my only good idea!

[DADto4]

I just had to share my story, hope you enjoy

All summer long my two older boys ages 7&12 have "practiced" working various lures in our pool,Before they put them in use.This was intended for them to "see" what their presentation looked like....GOOD IDEA,WE ALL LEARNED ALOT!

Although both of the boys are proficient young fisherman,I decided to challenge them at only picking 4 lures in 2 colors each, to take on our trips and fill out a fishing log for each trip.Reason being is they change lures after a few casts and don't put any effort into presentation

With this said we would have a 2 month tournament any fish counts.The winner gets a 25$ Walmart gift card.

I also joined the challenge.We usually go to smaller ponds and fish from the bank.

This is what they brought their last time out.

7 year old-

4" Zoom meatheads watermelon&green pumpkin

2 Rapala cranks shad&red crawdad

2 Beetlespins yellow&green

An extra pole with live bait!(crawlers)

12 year old-Zoom horny toads watermelonseed&bullfrog

2 Booyah pond magic spinnerbaits white&chart/black

6" berkley nightcrawlers Pumpkinseed&junebug

Copied his younger brother and opted for a live bait pole!!

Over the course of 2 months and 14 trips with many fish caught, I was not only amazed of how much the boys and I had learned about fishing, and lure selection,, but shocked at how much we learned about each other. Although we still have our differences..When it comes to fishing we all rely on each other for advice.Those boys have even impressed their mother,NOW THAT'S HARD TO DO ;D

At the end of the tournament the total of fish caught-

Dad---------31 lmb

12yr old----54 mix lmb/bluegill

7yr old----71 mix lmb 18,crappie 13,bluegill 40

Needless to say the 7yr old killed us with bluegill on live bait!

Cost of tournament---40$       Memories made---priceless

                             

                             -John

[Gatorbassman]

Now that's a cool idea. I'm putting that one on the "to do" list.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Way to be "involved" with your kids!

The boys are learning about much more than just fishing. Awesome

[Sam]

Wonderful story.

I am very glad to read that your 7-year old has the capacity to fish and not be distracted.

The 7-year old I take fishing gets distracted, easily, and his 12-year old brother gets frustrated if he does catch a fish in five minutes.

Any pics????  

[DADto4]

As for distractions Yes there are many but having the freedom to walk around the ponds,and creeks instead of being trapped in a boat is a positive for the 7yr old.I am in a way glad we sold our last boat,

We also keep our trips to 4 hrs or less.

The 12 yr old used to get frustrated but now he spends most of his energy"teaching" the 7yr old, and let me tell ya it's comical(he's a pro)! ;D

As for pics I have a few but have been unable to load them.Having some problems with the camera station...Kodak was supposed to be good!

[OcBassman63]

That was an awsome idea. Way to spend quality time with your boys.

[Grey Wolf]

Now that's what I call a feel-good story.

[moondog]

Great job John, You're children are extremely fortunate to have a Dad that takes the time to be as involved as you are. Their ideas and understanding for priorities are being firmly based by your examples and actions today. If only the rest of our society understood these values and opportunities for our childrens futures.

You my friend are changing our world to be a better place and we all thank you and applaud your efforts.

[FD.]

Good job.  Like your 7 year old, my 12 year old Taylor is killing us this month with minnows.

[firefightn15]

I don't know if what you did was strategy and tactics for a fun filled summer or just a way to have family fun, but man that is an awesome way to spend time with the kids.  Great job!

[Black Bass]

What a great way to spend time with your sons. Enjoyed the story.

[Flameseeker]

I started fishing this summer with my new son-in-law. He never fished for bass before we started fishing together. He gets discouraged when he isn't catching anything. You have given me an idea to pump him up (I hope) and get him more involved when we are fishing together. I'm satisified with our trips together when he is catching fish and I'm not so worried about myself catching anything. I've had my day at the lake, now I want him to have his.

Thanks

Below is a picture of his largest bass so far. 4lbs 14ozs.

[DADto4]

Our family, comprised of 4 kids 12,7,3,and 6months is competitive by nature and share a passion for success.These are values my wife and I believe are essential in life.We simply try like everyone does to instill them into the kids,,,we don't always do the right thing but does anyone anymore?

I will attempt to attach a couple of pics.

[DADto4]

another

[DADto4]

and another

[Big-O]

Terrific Family, Great Dad, Awesome future possibilities for you and yours. We at BR are proud to have folks like you involved.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[swilly78]

Outstanding story!  Great to here stuff like this!

[Certified Public Angler]

that is a cool idea, I might steal it and challenge myself to focus on a few choice baits when I go out.