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Back early in the summer I received a phone call from
one of my daughters who lives in the Seattle area. Each
year, Ann and her husband Bruce, give the two boys the
choice of how they want to spend their birthdays.
The oldest who is now 8, William, opted to go to Canada
to a resort they have previously visited to ride "his"
special horse.
When Ben was asked what he wanted to do, he quickly requested
he be allowed to "go fishing with Granpa."
This past weekend has been one of the most memorable for me
and will be cherished forever. Please allow me to share it here.
As many of you know my friend Dick Lane is staying at the Ranch
while he recoups from his recent surgery. Many friends have
visited both Dick and the Ranch. This Saturday morning we
had a lot of activity. First, Steve Zweber arrived to spend
a day or two. Shortly after, in drove Skeeter who lives North
of the Ranch at Newport, WA.
Later in the evening Ann and the two boys arrived. Of course
young boys are hungry (as are most older boys and girls) so
Granpa had the Bar B Q up and running and hamburgers and hot
dogs by the basket-full were consumed.
The entire gang, after pancakes for breakfast were put away,
went to a lake near the Ranch. This lake is a 'youth-only'
lake and the requirements state adults only if accompanied
by a youth, joining us there was another friend, Fuzzy.
The first fish of the day was caught by the oldest boy, William.
It was a nice 4 inch perch. The boys got their first lesson in
Catch and Release, were a bit uncomfortable about holding a fish
at first but before the weekend was over became as proficient
as most adults. Each boy caught several and all were released.
Two nice gills and one box turtle were also fooled by the worm.
Everything was released because this is the way Granpa normally
fishes.
Fuzzy and Mom (Ann) took one boy at a time around the lake in
the 34 year old canoe to check out the lily pads that could be
seen across the lake. A few fish were caught and released.
The boys only had to look for help which was ready and willing
by the five adults. It was a fishing outing for the youth and
none of the adults had any problems with this sort of fishing
trip. What a heart warming day for me.
I would like to thank Dick Lane, Steve Zweber, Fuzzy, Liz and
Ann, and Bruce for allowing the boys and myself so much fun
on this first day of fishing.
Monday, Steve had gone home the day before and Ann went to
work with her sister, Liz. Dick, the two boys and Granpa had
breakfast of choice, which was 'Scramled eggs' as the boys
call them, (yes genetic) like only Granpa can make them.
We did not get as early a start as Granpa normally does
but off we four went to a private trout sweet spot for a
try at their first attempt at the elusive bows.
Dick took the oldest boy and the birthday boy went with me.
We were using spinning rigs and worms - one must start
some place. Both of the boys had been practicing casting
in the back yard at home for several months and the practice
showed. Both of them cast like pros.
Again Will caught the first trout, a nice 10 inch bow. It
put up a nice fight and did some tail dancing much to the
delight of all. We had several worm-stealing-bows but did
manage to land five fish. All of the fish were caught by
the boys, as Dick and I both feel it is better for the
young fisherman to learn by mistakes. The end count was
three fish for the birthday boy, Ben. Will caught two. The
largest was a nice fat hen measuring 11 ½ inch in length,
by Ben! All of them gave the young fishermen a nice fight.
As the fishing was on a private piece of property, the owner
insists that Granpa take a few home each time because of an
overstocking problem in the lake. The boys unhooked the fish
by themselves and placed them gently into a five gallon bucket
that was taken along for just that purpose.
We talked about fixing them for supper but after talking about
it decided on freezing them and taking them home so Dad (Bruce)
could enjoy eating the trout with his boys. Bruce had been
planning on this outing from the start because he also is
a fishing nut but his work (contractor) schedule had one of
those happenings that would not allow it.
Each evening we e-mail the days pictures to Bruce so he could
sort of share the fishing.
Let me say this. I have enjoyed teaching and fishing with all
four of my children, since they were very young. If you have
not been allowed to take a young fisherman out, do so. There
really are no words in our language that allows me to express
my inner feelings. To be able to see the delight in the eyes
and hear the squeals of joy, made the entire weekend one I
will always cherish.
Thank you Ben for choosing to fish with me and for allowing
your brother Will and the rest of the gang to also enjoy your
day of fishing with Granpa.
I feel that this next year will be about the right time to
use the flies and fly rods. ~ Granpa Denny (Host Denny)
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