It's a proud day!

Pete · 04-29-2006, 10:08 AM

I love fishing. No secret there. But I also have a 6 year old daughter who's more into ballet, singing and reading Bobbsey Twins than anything. I have avoided "making her" go fishing, feeling that an experience she wasn't interested in could sour her on the sport. Last fall, she asked if I'd take her fishing. So I loaded up the boat with snacks, games and her favorite CDs and we headed out to the Columbia. 45 minutes in, she had her first chinook, which she landed by herself. We were both proud.

But this morning she came up with something I'd never expected at all! "Dad, when can we go fishing in the ocean?" Then she said, "Today probably won't work, but the next weekend we can, ok?" So, I'm floored, but proud ... and yep, we'll do it!

edsr · 04-29-2006, 10:50 AM

Pete - you're a lucky devil - count your blessings. One small suggestion, make it her day. Bring snacks and toys, fishing comes second, quit when she gets tired and teach her how to drive the boat.

edsr

Spoiled Daddy · 04-29-2006, 03:22 PM

Pete,

Your doing it right. When my 3 girls are in the boat, it looks like a floating day care center. We take Barbies, babies, coloring books and accessories, blankets, CD player and the latest is the 12V DVD player. You wouldn't believe how much longer they can last out on the water while watching a good Disney movie or cartoon.

Another real treat is trying to land a chinook while sliding around on giant Lego's scattered all over the floor of the boat.

At least I'm fishing!

the Spoiled Daddy

SKSPAWNER · 04-29-2006, 04:10 PM

Pete, I have many of the same memories of time spend fishing with my daughter. She is now in the Army and her unit is scheduled to deply in July. She asked how the fishing was in Iraq and if I would send her a pack rod before they go. Anyone got fishing reports from Bagdad?
Cherish these times with your fishing buddy.

Sunny Kay

pnwcoast · 04-29-2006, 04:36 PM

Pete you're a good Dad. A daughter or son wanting to go with you? can't get much better!

Norski · 04-29-2006, 04:53 PM

Pete, when ryleysmom turned 10 I took her out on a charter boat, buoy 10, and she had a blast, just her and I and 7 others, and to top it off she caught the biggest salmon, at the end of the trip we went and had dinner, back to Fort Stevens, and all the pictures, even today almost 20 years later, she brings up this trip.
Have a blast with her, they are young only 1 time, and the memories last for ever.

8knots · 04-29-2006, 07:42 PM

I've got one daughter who loves it and one who is a complete fashion-oriented city girl and lives in downtown SF. The one who loves it started going offshore with me when she was in Kindergarten (now a grade 2 teacher). She fishes today, just like she did then. She catches her fish and then finds a place on the boat to fall asleep, with a big smile on her face. It is something special we share.

Hope you have many more proud days with your daughter.

Salty Walty · 04-29-2006, 08:49 PM

Congrats on finding the best fishing partner you will ever have. Here's to many more successful days!

Spoonplugger · 04-29-2006, 09:05 PM

Pete,
Excellent!
My youngest daughter at 22 years old told me the other day that she wants to go fishing out in the ocean again. I told her we will surely go just as soon as the ocean permits.

Reminded me of a day last year when her and I were bottom fishing. All day long I had been putting her bait on. I had a fish on, so she reaches into our bait bucket and says, "It can't be worse than working on someones feet". Note: She fixes peoples hair and does pedicures for a living. After that she baited her own hook. So now she is my bonified deckhand.

Tight Lines · 04-29-2006, 09:28 PM

The fishing gods are smiling upon you! My girls love the ocean.

Val Perry

Hooked on Fish · 04-29-2006, 10:31 PM

Count your blessings and take plenty of pics. Sounds like you're on the right track with plenty of snacks and other entertainment.

SalmonJeff · 04-29-2006, 11:12 PM

I know exactly what you mean I have a little girl as well who is 3 and she asks all the time to go fishing and she also loves to play in the boat more then her play house. everyone always says I bet that warms your heart and you know what it does :smile: your very lucky I hope you guys have a great trip

retaliate · 04-30-2006, 08:22 AM

Make sure the ocean is nice, & her stomach is ready(plenty of sleep, Ginger candy), My daughter loves to fish, but get's sea sick

so I only take her out on a flat day, & close to shore for Salmon, or bottomfish.

Chromaflage · 04-30-2006, 08:02 PM

The Chromettes have never been out on the ocean. But their desire to go is great. They watch the news, anxiously awaiting the ocean reports and tell me when there is a good forecast. They know that 3' wind waves means an automatic no-go for their first trip. I can't wait to get them out there in the Cobia.

CrF