Take someone fishing!!!

[bassman31783]

A couple of weeks ago I was talking to an old fishing bud who let me know that he is not at all excited to go fishing this year. To me that just doesn't make sense but for him it's very real. He filled me in that he now takes fishing too seriously & doesn't go fishing for the shear enjoyment of fishing. That I do understand. I know exactly what it feels like to get so excited to go "fishing" that you forget the excitement of fishing. Let me explain.

Many times I get so geared up to fish a certain spot, with a certain lure, at the perfect time that I get frustrated when I get on the water & nothing is how I imagined it. When I thought the weather was going to be perfect, it ends up being less then ideal. When I thought the big fish would be biting it seems like only the small ones are. Or worse yet, nothing is biting. On those days I get so caught up on the bad that I forget to enjoy the blessing of just being on the water.

Well before we finished talking I asked him if he had thought about taking his nephew fishing. He let me know that it had been a thought but not one that he had ever pursued. I reminded him of something that he already knew very well, fishing is contagious. I asked him to take his nephew fishing & instead of focusing on catching fish for himself, focus on helping his nephew catch a fish.

Today my friend gave me a call & said that he had just gotten off the lake with his nephew. I asked how it went & he let me know that it was one of the most enjoyable days he could remember fishing. His nephew caught only one fish, a very small sunfish, but the joy it brought him was something special. More importantly the joy it brought to my bud was something he didn't really expect. It really put it all back into perspective. Catching fish is really just the icing on the cake. The time you get to spend by yourself, or with others making memories, is the true joy of fishing.

Guess who can't wait to go fishing again

[simplejoe]

Tell your buddy good job for getting the younger generation in to the sport. For that he reignited his love for the sport too. Get him out on the water before he changes his mind. ;D

[flyboy]

This post hit home for me.  I have been dealing with these feelings for some time and recently I heard about a tournament for paralyzed veterans that will be held on the Harris Chain in early April. There is a plea for volunteers with boats to donate there time for the tournament.  I have decided to participate.  The volunteers will not fish at all unless your angler qualifies for a special tournament on the second day.  The event hasn't happened yet but is already adding a new dimension to being on the water.   

[FD.]

give us the link to that tourney.

[VABassin'14]

For the past 11 years, I have been attendding a fishing tournament that the Eagle's put on every year. It is a tournament for kids and special needs anglers. I fished in it for 7 years, and for the past three, I have helped out more than I have fished. This year will be the 25th annual tournament, and I have heard that the guy that has put it together every year will be stopping after this year. I am considering taking over for him.

[bassfisherjk]

What a great story,Thanks.

[Crestliner2008]

Excellent story indeed. Sometimes when I take a fellow experienced fisherman with me, I don't enjoy myself quite as much. I find myself "working" too hard to get him onto fish and showing him a good time. Not focusing on the wonderful privilege of the fishing experience itself.

That's when I'll take a day off and go fishing solo. When I don't care if I catch a fish or not. Just the pure joy of the outdoors and nature. 

[flyboy]

http://www.floridafederationnation.com/upcoming-events.ph

Lee

Here's the link.  It sounds like a worthwhile event.  It is at the new facility in Tavares, which is under maintenance right now but it should be ready by April.  I am really excited about doing this.

Bob

[spinnerbaitking]

Took a buddies 13 yr old fishing last year half a dozen times, he caught his 1st Pike, biggest Rock bass & lots of sm & lmbass, but when I took my father & uncle Smallie fishing in Nov 42 degree water & not much warmer air temp, my uncle said that was the best day on the water he had & he only landed 1 smallie 21.5" long & lost 6 more but they all came out of the water and put up a great fight, nothing like converting a salmon & trout fisherman to a BASS fisherman, they will be back

Sbking

[pennyankees]

great story!!!

[central.PA.bass]

thanks for the story!

[Luke at Gouldsboro]

last summer I took my niece fishing. she caught one sunfish, and she was amped. I wasn't really fishing because I was putting worms on her hook, and trying to teach her to set the hook, and so forth. I eventually threw out  a couple casts with a lip-less crank bait, and I got a bite, set the hook and started reeling. She saw my pole bent and started to get really excited. When I landed the fish, it was a 13 inch perch. I unhooked it and let her pick it up and release it. I don't have any kids, but I know the feelings my dad had when he used to take me fishing as a kid. It was great.

[Taylor Fishin 4 life]

thats hearttouching  i got that way hunting this past season

[bassinbob54]

It's like the little boy who wanted to go fishing in the 100degree heat and his dad says they wont catch any fish and the lottle boy answers "but pop, it aint the catchin that counts , its the goin!..couldnt agree more