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Fishing with Girls
by: Lloyd Tackitt , Texas6/3/2012
My granddaughters, age 9 and 7, are spending some time with us this summer break. We don't get to see them often and those visits are always too short. We have the rare pleasure this summer of their company, sans parents for two weeks. It is a pleasure too cool for words. I took them fishing. First we went shopping for fishing poles. I took them to sports academey where they have a large selection. One section is devoted to zebco kits for children. I pointed out which ones they could choose from and they chose - by color. Color wasn't just a factor to them, it was the only factor that mattered. I rigged up their poles and we waded into the river and I taught them to cast. Grils actually listen to instructions, it's weird I know, but they do. Because they actually listen they learn very very fast. Within minutes they were casting like pros. This lesson was without hooks, just weights. I tied on hooks and bobbers and explained about being careful where the hook is and, believe it or not, they listened and were careful from that moment on. The creek mouth is full of spawning bluegills. Perfecf for the occasion. I baited them up with worms and they were catching fish right off the bat. At times they would cast in and the bobber went underwater without a second's pause. They were pulling fish out as fast as I could bait their hooks. Pretty soon though the oldest one, she likes to do for herself, was baiting her own hooks, tearing the worms into small pieces as I had been. Not a twitch on her face, not a sign of being repulsed. The younger one saw the older sister doing it so she had to also. In her case though she kept saying "Ewwww, Gross" every time. But she kept on doing it anyway. Now I had a bit more time to spend untangling lines for them. Pretty soon they were taking their own fish off and all I had to do was watch and untangle lines. Wasn't long before they were untangling all but the worst snarls. The oldest one caught one fish, brought him in, took him off the hook and then put a piece of worm in it's mouth before releasing it, saying "There, now you can have food without the others fighting you for it". Now that is something I have never seen in my life. Tickled the hell out of me. They caught and released over 50 bluegills and a couple of small bass in about two hours. It was fast and frantic and they are now hooked on fishing. Girls are soooo different from boys. They are far more patient, far more polite about sharing the best fishing spot, and this still freaks me out - they listen to and absorb what I tell them; the FIRST time mind you. They are gentle with the fish, and they giggle a lot. Might I suggest that if you are going to take kids fishing, and never have before, start with girls. It's a great way to break yourself in. Save the boys for the next trip, but don't be surprised when it turns out to be a completely different experience!
Blog content © Lloyd Tackitt Member comments Flyrodn, CO 6/4/2012 1:02:03 PM
You're one lucky fellow there Grandpa. funkyjedi, CO 6/4/2012 1:11:30 PM
Brilliant. I wish we had more water like that here... My 6 year old daughter loves to take cracks at perch. In fact the other day, they were dipping for perch, I caught about a 2.8 lb bass, and my daughter looks me in the eye and says, "Ok dad, enough perch, I want to catch bass now." Classic. different species the girls are.... great post. thanks for sharing. fshbyfly, CO 6/4/2012 5:17:49 PM
Taking my 4 year-old daughter out this weekend, so this was just what I needed. Pink pole...check. Pink tackle box...check. troutmobile, CO 6/4/2012 8:40:56 PM
I am blessed to have two granddaughters (ages 8-1/2 & 12) who actually request time at grandpa's fly-tying vice every time they visit, which is every couple weekends. Priceless. Will be interesting to see how it goes when their 2 year old brother gets a little older. Lloyd Tackitt (Lloyd Tackitt), TX 6/5/2012 9:20:13 AM
I am definitely lucky! Anyone who has a girl to take fishing is in for a real treat. Take a lot of photos, the kids will treasure them all their lives. spicyhombre, CO 6/8/2012 1:47:25 PM
My daughter is six and this is her second year fishing. She can't get enough. She started with spin cast with bobber and worm. Too boring so she begged to use a lure like me. Next step she wanted my spin rod. It has been great fun fishing with her and she loves catching new species.
My son is 2-1/2 and has brought in a couple of fish so far but would rather throw sticks in the water or get muddy. The great thing is neither of them wants to leave when its time to go. Can't beat that! itchyreelfinger, CO 6/8/2012 1:51:15 PM
Enjoy it while you can fellas. My daughters loved fishing at a young age. Now they are 15 and 13 and poo-poo the thought of fishing. Occassionally my younger one will ask to go but the 15 yr. old is "too cool" to fish with dad. I imagine that in a few years, the allure of hanging out with dad on the boat will be back but for right now, they aren't too interested. Great blog Lloyd! aerofanbig, CO 6/8/2012 2:30:32 PM
Itchy has it, great until almost a teen, then good luck getting them back on the water for anything but Sun bathing for many years. That is where most boys will differ, most from the time they learn want to go until the day they die. I passed up parties and hanging out and such all through my teens to go fish with dad. My sister didn't after about 12. Now at 40 she regrets missing out to do silly things like go to the malls with people she never saw again after she went to college EOrf, CO 6/9/2012 10:56:29 AM
Nice,glad it was a good time had by all..My 8 yr old is against all fishing she says its boreing even when we catch fish:( this breaks my heart..I keep at her though,thanks for sharing Lloyd Tackitt (Lloyd Tackitt), TX 6/9/2012 12:13:13 PM
EOrf: One thing I noticed about girls, from raising one daughter to the grandaughters is that girls are extremely socilal creatures. They love to be around other girls their age. Maybe if you invite one of her favorite friends (mind you just one, three girls could be a real handful) to come along on a picnic with a little fishing thrown in, and then take them somewhere like a park pond? JKaboom, CO 6/9/2012 2:13:01 PM
One of the best things about fishing it strengthens bonds :) Good blog Lloyd !!
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