Creating Memories

Their are countless fishing memories in my mind that were created when I was a kid.  I don't think there is any one memory that stands out the most.  Every time I went fishing, it was special for one reason or another.  It didn't matter if I was with my dad, my brother, a friend, or someone else, I enjoyed each and every trip.

I am on the verge of creating some new fishing memories, both for myself and for my son.  He turns one on June 21st.  I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to take him out on the water and teach him to catch fish.

Making fishing enjoyable for kids (or any new angler for that matter) is what is going to keep them fishing as they grow older.  If the first couple times they go out are miserable, then why would they go back?  I am not saying that you have to catch fish to make the trip fun, if you don't catch it can still be a blast.  The key is to not take fishing too seriously when you are taking someone out with you.  If you are focused on catching big bass, and your not catching, then it wont be fun for your new partner.

Instead, use this time to teach.  Go in to the trip with the expectations of spending your day helping them, not wetting your own line.  I recently read a thread on a forum that I frequent with experienced bass anglers complaining about the new partner they took out on their boat with them.  They said things like, "I should have know when this guy showed up to the ramp with only one rod and a small tackle box that this day was going to be miserable," and, "I can't believe he didn't even offer to pay for the gas."  What D-Bags!!!  If you are taking somebody out on your boat with you, they are your guest.  Treat them as such.  And instead of judging them for not having the same amount of gear as you, let them borrow some of yours for the day and explain why different rods, reels, and lures, are necessary.

If you are taking a kid out, understand that that child does not have the same intensity and attention span as you.  A kid is going to get bored after a few hours on the water.  You can not fish from dawn to dusk with a young kid, they will hate it, and in turn will likely hate fishing from them on.

Take new people out fishing, it is fun.  But know that your expectations for the day have to be different.  If we want fishing to grow, and for more people to have an appreciation and respect for the fish and the waters, then we need to expose new anglers to the sport.  But do so gently.  Don't me rude and mean, be nice and insightful. Help them learn and you will have a fishing partner for life and be able to create new fishing memories for both you and your partner.

Other posts of interest:
Home Waters
The Plight of the Guadalupe Bass
What Rods to Choose
Grinning and Laughing With New Friends