With all the traveling I have had to do over the past couple of months, it has been hard to spend some real quality time with my son Colin.  So since summer has rolled around and things have slowed down a little, I have really been itching to get him out fishing.

Gary Robson, Colin and Me

I have had the privilege to fish with good friend Gary Robson, RodGun from the forum board, on several occasions in one of his secret spots and I knew that this would be a great place to take Colin.  I made a call to Gary and he was more than happy to meet us for a little fishing.

Colin Reeling In His First Fish

Colin was really excited, but I don’t think he really knew what was in store.  Colin is now 7 and I think the most fish he has ever caught in an outing is 3 and I was anticipating catching more than that as well as some bigger fish.

Colin’s First Fish of The Night

It was important to explain catch and release to Colin and get these fish back in the water as soon as possible.

As I anticipated, Gary’s spot didn’t let us down, we were immediately into nice fish and Colin reeled in his first one of the evening.  As a father, there is nothing better than watching that smile as he was reeling in his first fish.

Colin insisted on holding the fish.

All in all, Colin caught about 8 trout this evening in about an hour and we had to go.  I usually only plan outings with Colin for about an hour because he has the attention span of an ant.  I was very happy to see that he didn’t want to leave, but I guess when you are catching lots of fish, who would want to leave.

Based on this smile, I would say he had a good time!

Colin has asked me everyday since then when we are going fishing again and I tell him very soon.  As many of my friends know, I am a pretty sentimental guy, so I won’t try and sound too sappy here.  I find myself, as a father, in awe and appreciation at watching Colin develop.  I know that it is important to me, just like it was important to my father, and his father, to pass down our outdoor lifestyle and traditions to my children.  This is the first year that I have really seen Colin want to hunt and fish with me and I look forward to many years in the outdoors with what I think is going to be my best fishin buddy!

Thanks again Gary for taking us fishing.  I know Colin will remember that night for a long time!