June 11th I drove to Michigan for a bittersweet family gathering. My siblings and I got together to bury my Father's ashes. Dad was laid to rest next to my Mother who died in '83.
The highlight of my visit was the time I spent with my little grand-nieces ages 2 1/2 and 5. I decided I wanted to teach them to fish, so I asked my sister to stop at Bass Pro on the way back from the cemetery to buy some rods and reels for them. The clerk took me to the toy section, but I asked him for something nicer. We left with 2 Ugly Stick combos, perfectly sized for tiny hands (and pretty fun for the big kids, too!)
Kirsten took to it like a pro and by the end of the week was casting and reeling on her own. Eva caught on, too, and landed 4 fish with just a little assistance from her Auntie. All fish were caught on artificials and immediately released.
Over the past year I have not been on the water as much as the years before due to a bum elbow (from fishing) and major work obligations. This was only my second time fishing this year, but this more than made up for the days missed. Nothing will ever compare to these very happy days with these 2 precious and very talented anglers. Except another trip with them.
My best fishing trip ever!
Rick-Sounds like a plan. You're in the Safety Harbor area, right?
BearsFan-Thanks. Actually there were 3 of us. The one in the picture caught one after another and the 2 1/2 year old caught 4. I lost count on my catch.
Tropview-Thanks, the Auntie part is actually in relation to the girls' Dad and she is single, but a bit of a handful.
BearsFan-Thanks. Actually there were 3 of us. The one in the picture caught one after another and the 2 1/2 year old caught 4. I lost count on my catch.
Tropview-Thanks, the Auntie part is actually in relation to the girls' Dad and she is single, but a bit of a handful.
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Stacy,
Those pictures remind me of when my kids were young and we lived in Sebastian. I lived on a tributary to the Sebastian River and we caught all kinds of fish with cane poles from the bank. They loved it! Jessica insited on kissing every fish before releasing it. I have photos of her kissing them! The only ones I remember that she didn't kiss was a Tarpon that pooped on her and a toothy Barracuda. The kids are grown and on their own now. We don't get to see one another much anymore. I hope they remember those days as fondly as I do.
Those pictures remind me of when my kids were young and we lived in Sebastian. I lived on a tributary to the Sebastian River and we caught all kinds of fish with cane poles from the bank. They loved it! Jessica insited on kissing every fish before releasing it. I have photos of her kissing them! The only ones I remember that she didn't kiss was a Tarpon that pooped on her and a toothy Barracuda. The kids are grown and on their own now. We don't get to see one another much anymore. I hope they remember those days as fondly as I do.
XCB
John, I would absolutely love a trip on the Lil' Darlin' !! I have a couple of big work projects that will be completed by the 3rd week of July, so I will be in touch. Thanks!
XCapt Bill, When are you coming for a visit?
Everybody keeps telling me the girls will always remember the fishing, even without pictures. I remember only a few things from my childhood, heck, sometimes I don't even remember what I had for lunch. Then I meet people who remember what they had for lunch in 1982 and who waited on them.
I do remember one particularly nice trip to the Boca Grande area with a gentleman angler of some renown. It was a very beautiful day, great company and a little shark action while wading on a sand bar at the mouth of a creek. The day also marks when my elbow first started acting up. It's doing much better, so maybe it's time for another trip to the sand bar.
XCapt Bill, When are you coming for a visit?
Everybody keeps telling me the girls will always remember the fishing, even without pictures. I remember only a few things from my childhood, heck, sometimes I don't even remember what I had for lunch. Then I meet people who remember what they had for lunch in 1982 and who waited on them.
I do remember one particularly nice trip to the Boca Grande area with a gentleman angler of some renown. It was a very beautiful day, great company and a little shark action while wading on a sand bar at the mouth of a creek. The day also marks when my elbow first started acting up. It's doing much better, so maybe it's time for another trip to the sand bar.
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Stacy,
I was just down a couple of weeks ago and we had an "Old School" Ho-Down at Tierra Verde while I was there. We paddled out to Tarpon key and had a "Committee Meeting". When we got back to the launch Ray was there with the air conditioned motor coach and JayB was greeting all as usual. We BBQ'd chicken and fried fish for a few hours before reality sent each on their respective ways. It was great to see the guys and we missed you! I'll be sure to get in touch with you next time I plan to be in town and perhaps we can find another shark or two on that sandbar? Cow Creek wasn't it
I was just down a couple of weeks ago and we had an "Old School" Ho-Down at Tierra Verde while I was there. We paddled out to Tarpon key and had a "Committee Meeting". When we got back to the launch Ray was there with the air conditioned motor coach and JayB was greeting all as usual. We BBQ'd chicken and fried fish for a few hours before reality sent each on their respective ways. It was great to see the guys and we missed you! I'll be sure to get in touch with you next time I plan to be in town and perhaps we can find another shark or two on that sandbar? Cow Creek wasn't it
XCB
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