On an early fall morning I felt the presence of my father’s hand shaking me and telling me it was time to wake up. I looked up at my father with that sleepy daze and wondered why he was waking me up this early on a weekend. It was a different touch this time and he had a look on his face that meant only one thing, we were going fishing today. Some people say that they know what fast is, but until you see a young boy jump out of bed to get dressed go fishing with his father then you haven’t seen Mach 1 with a shirt on backwards in the dark. My father was never late to go fishing or hunting and if you were late you got left at home or at the boat ramp. It was a different ride in dad’s truck on the way to the boat ramp and it was a different day because these days were special, my father worked hard and time together meant a lot to me. Even if we didn’t catch fish, I would always learn something valuable that I would later pass onto my children, and that was a father’s love. The important thing was my father taking the time out of his busy life to be with me and the times he made me laugh or having the patience to teach me how to tie my first fishing knot on a hook. There are great memories of that huge fish that I lost at the boat; I can still see that big Largemouth Bass vanish into the dark waters of the lake as if they were one. The best thing about losing a fish like that is how they always seem to get bigger with time.
There are always many trips that you never forget, and one was a trip in my father’s almost new bass boat. It was his new baby and we were staying at a fish camp on Blue Cypress Lake just east of Tampa. My dad’s cousin Bruce Nelson was also fishing with us in his boat. We had an excellent morning with several nice Bass and even some Specks. Around noon we had just pulled over in a shady spot, next to my Dad’s cousin Bruce, to eat lunch and talk about the great fishing we had had that day. My Dad had just given my brother Mike and I a can of Coke and a sandwich to eat and while he was doing this he said, “If you spill that can of Coke in this boat you’re going in the lake!” well I didn’t have that can of Coke for more than a few sips when I turned in the chair and kicked it over with my foot. My back was to my father and all I felt was this surge of wind and tightness on my belt, as he grabbed me and tossed me in the lake. When you are 9 years old and you land in that dark water, only one thing goes through your mind and that is how fast can I get back in that boat! The story is pretty simple when they tell it, but it is almost spiritual because they said I was walking on that water and my hair never got wet. I can still hear my brother laughing at me. This is one of those great family stories that will be told for generations.
The greatest gift that my Father gave my brother and I was his time and love and it certainly made us better people today. It is a shame that there are so many kids out there today that don’t have these types of opportunities or anyone who will take them out fishing or hunting.
I see it every time I pull up in front of my house with my boat coming home from a charter or an outing with the kids. The neighborhood kids come running to see what I had caught and how my day was. The questions are never-ending and the kids are soaking up every bit of information that I give them with their little sponge brains. I see in their faces how they wish they could go with me, or how they wish their father gave them the time.
I get involved with our local schools and talk to kids about my profession as a guide at “The Great American Teach
In”. This program lets parents come in and talk about their careers. I am always amazed at how many kids in these classes have never been fishing. I always give away two fishing poles, one for a girl and one for a boy. I have kids from 4 years ago that still come up to me and say they were so happy they won that fishing pole.
The best thing I ever did as a guide was take the neighborhood kids fishing. When you see the look on their faces and the joy in their eyes as they hold their first fish in their little hands, you know you have them hooked for life. They will always remember that moment forever, like I did with my father. It makes me feel good inside too see that smile of joy in a kid’s heart.
Take a Kid In The Outdoors
Get involved in your community; there are so many organizations that offer help to a young kid who needs the leadership from a Father role model.
If you don’t have a boat, just take your kids to one of our many public piers or State parks. Just get them outside get them involved in something besides the couch and video games. Spend time with them and tell them you love them.
If you don’t know what to do, take your kids to seminars and just learn together. I know the owner at Gandy Bait and Tackle, Bill Robinson, and he will always take the time to show you what you need and outfit you and your kids to have great day fishing at the Gandy Bridge. Bill has been around a long time and his wealth of knowledge is second to none.
You also are welcome to call any of us from Onshore Offshore magazine and I know we would give you any information we can to help you take your kids fishing.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your kid for Christmas is a Fishing pole; it will bring you together as a family like nothing else in this world!! The youth today are the keepers of our heritage in the outdoors and the future of our favorite pastime.