Kids Fishing with their Dads

[Squidnation]

Bear with me on this short story. Not long ago my 12 year old son Nicholas and i were driving down the road when he thanked me for the trip we were about to take to Mexico. Then he floored me and said why don't more dads take their kids offshore with us. My main crew consists of Oftenn Ernie, Dove Hunt Corey and Eric. On almost every trip one or more of their sons or daughters are on the boat with Nico and I. But aside from those guys we rarely get kids on the offshore trips. This was the inspiration behind our upcoming Father/Kid Offshore kick-off on March 31 in Morehead.

I also have noticed lately that the site is attracting a ton of under 18 year old kids to the site that love to fish. It is a welcomed addition to the group of friends we have formed here.

I want to hear from the kids and the dads. What makes fishing with the kids special? What make fishing with your dad special? Do you guys get to fish together enough? Lets hear your story. You never know. We may just pick one of the stories out of the thread and invite you guys to fish with us at the end of March in Morehead

[hunt4fish]

Hear's a story from this morning,My son Hunter is only 6 and he loves to go hunting/fishing,he woke me up this morning and said Daddy can we go fishing today?I replied son I don't know its kinda cold for the bass to bite,he replied I don't care I just wanna go fishing.I told him to get his tackle box together and we'll try to go this afternoon.It wasn't 5 mins. later he came back in with tackle box in hand and gone in the garage and had retrived his rod also.I took one look and said you bet buddy we will go fishing today.I told him it's probably to cold to catch anything but he didn't care he just wanted to go fishing and thats all that he cared about was going fishing with his Daddy.We went to a local pond and tried for about an hour with no luck and he didn't mind that we didn't catch a thing and neither did I.When we were done he looked @ me and said Dad we didn't catch nothing today but that really doesn't matter,cause I got to go fishing and spend time with you and that's what really matters.I replied you're right son spending time together is what matters,as I had to hold some tears back and I can't wait to take him again.

[hrdcor32]

That's good stuff, I bet you can't wait until he's ready to go offshore.

[Capt_John]

I'm not a child or dad, but I read this thread and it reminded me of something. My father died when I was 2 years old. My mom raised me by herself the best she could,but she left me with my grandmother and she took care fo me for the most part. I got into fishing because a woman that owned a fish market babysat me while my grandmother cleaned houses on Topsail Island. Her husband took me shrimping with him when I was about 5 years old and I've been hooked on fishing since then. In all the years that I commercial and sportfished for work, the numerous capts. and other deckhands I worked for and with were my "father figures". They taught me everything I needed to know in life....a lot more than just fishing. If it wasn't for fishing,I'd probably be dead or in jail like so many of my childhood friends. It just makes me understand how important something like fishing can be to a young child. And it doesn't necessarily have to be fishing,it could be any sport. Just as long as a parent is spending quality time with their child,it's got to be more important than most other things out there. I truly wish my dad could've taken me fishing,and I wish that I can take him fishing now and show him who I've grown up to be. To all you dads on here, take it from me, you're extremely lucky to have the chance to take your son/daughter fishing. Please make the most out of it. You never know what the future will bring. And to all the kids on here that thinks their dad is tough on them and being strict,it's for a good reason. Take it all in stride,you'll be grateful for every minute of it when you're older. I promise. We're not all as lucky as you are. Believe me.

[Capt_John]

How did that Father/Son tournament go? Or is it not happened yet?

[Squidnation]

Not yet Capt JOhn. It will be On March 31 in Morehead.

[scrumcenter]

I have fished offshore with my dad and brother since I was 11 I am now 24 we have had alot of great memories. I can't put a finger on what makes it so great to be out with him just that I know I have been blessed to have been given these memories. Whether it was a particular catch or sight or weather phenomenom that we witnessed it was just cool to be out their with my two best friends my father and brother. As my father makes preparations to perhaps sell our boat I know that this time in my life may be coming to a end. Even when this door closes I will have a cache of wonderful memories that will be with me forever. I know if god willing I am able, I will share with my sons or daughters what my father has given.

Cheers

Phillip

[Capt_John]

Not yet Capt JOhn. It will be On March 31 in Morehead.

Duuuuh.....as many time that I've seen your posts and it's right on there. My mom always said, my brain ain't bigger than a rat's.....well you know.

[OVER-BOARD]

LOOKING BACK NOT TO FAR WHEN I WAS A KID, FISHING WITH DAD WAS AND STILL IS SPECIAL, YET THOSE TIMES DO NOT COME VERY OFTEN ANYMORE UNLESS HE IS ON THE BOAT WITH A CHARTER AND EVEN THAT IS RARE. TODAY IT'S EVEN MORE SPECIAL WHEN WE GET OUT TOGETHER WITH OUT A CHARTER BECAUSE IT IS SO RARE. HELL I DON'T EVEN CARE IF WE CATCH ANYTHING, THE TIME TOGETHER WITH OUT CELL PHONES AND OTHER INTERUPTIONS IS ENOUGH OF A PRIZE IT'S SELF. THE OLD MAN USED TO SAY " WHAT HAPPENS OR IS SAID ON THE BOAT STAYS ON THE BOAT". AH THE CONVERSATIONS YOU CAN'T GET AWAY FROM, GOOD AND BAD, FUNNY OR SAD. HUNTING AND FISHING WITH DADS MAKES US KIDS WHAT WE ARE IN MY OPINION.
I SEE WAY TO MANY KIDS THAT WOULD RATHER WATCH TV, PLAY VIDEO GAMES, OR SIT HERE LIKE I AM MESSING WITH THE COMPUTER, RATHER THEN GOING OUTSIDE TO DO ANYTHING, AND IT IS A SHAME. THEN I WILL SEE A KID WHO WAS RAISED AROUND FISHING AND HUNTING AND NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, YOU CAN'T KEEP THEM INSIDE. IT'S AMAZING HOW MUCH THOSE KIDS ALREADY KNOW ABOUT LIFE AND WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT.
SOME TIMES I'LL BE ACROSS THE 100 FATHOM LINE AND START THINKIN WOW ALL THE WAY FROM THE FRESH WATER PONDS TO THIS! THEN IT HITS ME. WHAT IF MY DAD AND ALL THOSE OTHER PEOPLE DID NOT TAKE ME UNDER THERE WING ALL THOSE YEARS GROWING UP? WHO WOULD I BE? WHERE WOULD I BE? I JUST CAN'T IMAGINE LIFE WITH OUT EVER FINDING THE BLUE WATER OR HAVING AN OPERTUNITY TO DO SO.

[Sea Frog]

Pic of me and dad from another post. This was over 30 years ago.