When I got in to work this AM, I caught up on all the postings. Re the "Bonding". Do it!! Take Carpy's advise on making it enjoyable.
My son is 17. I took him fishing when he was a little kid, usually bass fishing. We'd get up before the crack of dawn (not the crack of noon). He loved the novelty of getting up early and ridding in the truck. But... after we'd get there it was cold going across the water, the fishing was slow, fishing deep, boring. I was trying to get him introduced on my level. BIG MISTAKE. He lost interest.
Many years have past and I am trying again. He went through the skateboard, roller blade, BMX things and now is into his Bronco and girls. They grow up fast.
This past Sunday, I got out my old fly rod, his spinning rod and my fly rod and we went to the golf course. He caught a bunch of small bass. I let him use my good rod so that he could see the difference and what he had to look forward to. My point is that I did it at his level and now it is what he is talking about. The last 2 nights the first thing he said to me was, "did you get my license" and "did you order my fishing pole"?. He drove the golf cart to the spot. I had several rods so he could change and experience variety.
I wanted him to go fishing the Father's Day but he pretty much has other plans and I don't want to force him. But he is now really expressed an interest in fishing again.(I have never been to Truckee except to drive past on my way up north Bow hunting. Might go see if I can catch one over 12" a new record. Any suggestions?) I am ordering him a decent fly rod and reel, vest and whatever.
My dad took hundreds of hours out of his life to teach me to fish. I can never repay him for that. I wish he was here for me to take fishing today.
Enjoy your time with your son. Fishing is a lifetime gift.
Hud
(ADMIN: Originally published here: http://www.../archive2.cgi?read=22211 )
