When Mason turned 6 I took him on a quick fishing trip with his own little spinning rod. I ended up breaking out the fly rod since nothing was taking his spinner. I was fishing for a while and Mason started complaining that he wanted to go home. I really wanted him to reel in a fish so we stayed a while longer as he was eaten by all the mosquitoes. We did land one fish but ever since he's told me he really doesn't like fly fishing. I realized the other day that he didn't understand the difference between "fly fishing" and "fishing while flies(mosquitoes) bite you".
I took him out again Saturday evening. There were no mosquitoes and we caught some nice fish. We both had a great time. I'd hook 'em and walk to the bank and let him reel them in. We caught 4 Rainbows and a Brook Trout.
As we were walking back to the car Mason said "Dad, this is the best day of my whole life". Usually Mason's hyperbole is a little more cryptic. Something like "Dad, this is the best day I never had" is more typical.
On the ride home I was telling him that Brook Trout are my favorite fish to catch because they are so pretty with their spots and orange bellies. He said nonchalantly, "Yeah, my favorite is sharks".
I'm hoping I'll have a bona fide fishing partner soon.
