Great stories. My grandfather took me fishing for the first time. I was about 5. I don't remember if we caught fish that day or not but I remember sitting by the pond talking with my grandfather. It was a pretty summer day. I don't have a single memory of what we talked about, but I do remember looking at him thinking he was the greatest man who ever lived.

He passed away a couple years after that when I was 7. I still look back at him and think he was one of the greatest men who ever lived. The Earth became a less kind and gentle a place the summer of 1967.

I haven't thought about him for a while and reading these stories of first fishing experinces brought his face back to my memory. I hope some of him still lives in me. I know I'm a better man today for having known him for the few short years I knew.

Grandpa Skip, thanks for taking a kid fishing.

Jeff