FISHING BUDDY
Six-year-old Hudson is excited. He is going crappie fishing with Papa Larry for the first time today. His fishing partner is not his real Grandpa. He lives next door. Hudson has called him Papa Larry since he was little.
They loaded the coolers, snacks, and fishing equipment in the truck and were away on their adventure. At least it was to a 6-year-old. As Papa Larry drove, questions came from Hudson in his car seat. How much farther? Why do fish have fins? What color are crappie? Papa Larry patiently answered all the questions and smiled.
“I can see the water,” Hudson yelled as they drove across the bridge. Soon, he was helping Papa Larry back the boat down the ramp. They made a quick stop at the marina to get some minnows – just in case they needed them. Besides, 6-year-old boys like to play with minnows.
They came out of the idle zone. Papa Larry pushed the throttle forward. Hudson’s face was priceless as the motor roared to life. Soon, they idled down and drifted into a shaded cove.
Hudson was ready to go crappie fishing. Papa Larry tied a crappie jig to Hudson’s line. Then he let him try casting by himself. That was hard for a 6-year-old. Papa Larry helped him.
Papa Larry turned on his Garmin LiveScope and showed Hudson all the crappie below the boat. He helped him put the crappie jig down in front of the crappie and showed him how to give it a little jiggle.
It did not take long for a crappie to take Hudson’s bait. Papa Larry helped him set the hook and hold on to the rod as Hudson battled with the first fish he had ever caught.
Papa Larry removed the jig from the crappie’s mouth. With big eyes gleaming and a smile, Hudson wanted to touch it before they put it in the livewell. With one finger, he did. He gave a high-five to Papa Larry. First fishing trip, first cast, first fish, big smile.
Papa Larry beamed with pride. He took a selfie of him, Hudson, and the crappie and sent it to Hudson’s Mom and Grandma. Grandma is what Hudson calls Papa Larry’s wife.
He tried to explain to Hudson that it is not always that easy. Hudson was so happy. He had caught a fish and wanted to see more. He did. The good Lord was smiling down on them that day. Hudson caught his limit of crappie. Papa Larry did not. He was too busy helping his little buddy.
Hudson talked about the fish and began yawning. Grandpa Larry said it was time to go home. Hudson was asleep before the boat reached the loading ramp. On the drive home, Papa Larry looked in the rearview mirror at a tired little fisherman. He was probably dreaming fish dreams.
Every fisherman sometimes needs to take along a little fishing buddy.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“Take a kid fishing. You will capture their imagination.” ~ Max Hawthorne, Author
