So happy to introduce y'all to my sweet husband! Did I ever mention that he is a fisherman?
We have a charter fishing business in Boca Grande on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Captain Daddy is a great dad and an award winning fisherman. He's done TV shows with the
outdoor channel called "Buccaneers and Bonefish". He is an affiliate guide for "Bonefish and Tarpon Trust"
and is a Director in the Boca Grande Guides Association.
I could go on and on about his awards and such but, suffice it to say that one of his favorite causes is the
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation via the Redbone at Large Pro/Am Tournament Series and he's
a consistent supporter of the Barrier Island Parks Society.
Now that you know how fabulous he is (he's gonna kill me when he reads that- tehehee)
Let's hear what he has to say about fishing with your children:
The first time I took my oldest boy out on a fishing expedition- I was like a kid at Christmas. I was so excited at the aspect of sharing with him a love for the sport that has been my lifelong passion.
While visions of father and son catching world record tarpon, and redfish danced through my head- my son was developing a growing concern for the fate of the "cute little" bait-fish swimming around in the bait-well.
Let's suffice it to say that the trip didn't turn out quite the way I had planned, but over time I have learned a couple of things about getting kids involved in the sport of fishing.
First of all you want to be sure to bring snacks. If your wife isn't watching, you may even want to throw in a special treat- like a candy bar. Kids have a tendency to get really cranky when they start getting hungry. Keep 'em fed and you've already won half the battle.
We've been taught to aim high, but when it comes to fishing with small children- I'm telling you now, you need to LOWER your expectations! Just because you cannot imagine anyone in their right mind not seeing the beauty in being out on the water tracking down a prize redfish or snook - does not mean that your 6 year old is going to be inspired by the idea.
Bring an extra dip net when you are live bait fishing; and then don't be surprised or disappointed if all they want to do is play with the bait. Let them dip and play in the bait-well until their hearts are content. I've taken enough kids fishing with live bait to know that you won't keep them out of the well anyways.
Did I mention that you should bring snacks? Snacking is good. It can also serve to keep them from eating the bait. Unfortunately, that is not just a joke. Fortunately, it wasn't my kid. Seriously, keep them fed!
Safety first, safety first, safety first- and snacks immediately following. It just doesn't make sense to hand a clueless kid a sharp object attached to a line and rod -and then not pay close attention. Stay within arms reach, or someone could loose an eye.
Know when to fold 'em. Calling it quits just means you will live to fish another day. If you don't push them too long, your children will be more interested in heading out to go fishing with dad/ or mom again soon.
Attitude is everything in life and fishing with kids is no exception. I understand the desire (more than most) to land the perfect tarpon. I want my kids to love the sport as much as I do, and I've learned that the best way accomplish that end is to relax and have fun with them.
Before you know it they will be reeling in the sea trout left and right- catching snook, and redfish all by themselves. They will battle the mighty tarpon, and win the war. The sense of amazement and pride you will share in that moment is worth every gut wrenching, hand wringing moment you spent worried that they were destined to become "bait fish activists".
This is the "happy dance" which goes along with W's catch and release
(You probably won't catch any more fish after all the stomping around with the happy dance)
*disclosure- Captain
(the man has been known to actually buy property without being present - or informed- in the past, so this should NOT be a big deal- or much of a surprise, for that matter)
Thanks for stopping by- y'all come back,
* you can read other #31 dayers here
Job 35: 11
"Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth,
and makes us wiser than the fowls of heaven."
Mandy- Biblical Homemaking Heathalee-ButterflyGenes:
Melanie- Only A Breath Amy- Missional Mamas Soul
*You're comments make me swoon!
7 comments:
Kelli, you crack me up! and, your hubby hit the nail on the head regarding lowering your expectations - and bring the snacks :) Your kids look like they are having a ball! (and so glad to hear that it wasn't one of yours who ate the bait lol - priceless)
This was great. Always nice to hear things from a Daddy's perspective. Fun and good information!
Thank you girls- You two are both awesome bloggy friends! :)
Alot of good advice for sharing anything with kids, not just fishing.
Loved reading this blog about taking the kids fishing. Looks like they have a great teacher to help them pull in the big ones. :)
Haha! Love this!! And I love that you stole..I mean borrowed..it from him. ;) And the snack thing cracked me up!! :)
This is great advice: keep the expectations low, have fun, and bring on the snacks! I think this is true for lots of things besides fishing!!!!
I like the feel of your blog. (I'm an accidental home school mom too. NEVER would have done it had I not moved overseas...
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