** NOTE ** This one is from the Troutbitten archives, from 2015. We’re still fishing . . .
Well, it’s summer again. The creeks say so, and the fish say so, and good fishing is becoming more exclusively a morning proposition with just a little activity right before dark as well. The night fishing action has not turned on for me yet, despite my best efforts; but I continue to get out in the dark hours at least a couple times every week.
Joey is done with kindergarten and Aiden is out of preschool, and for the next few months I’m back to full-time daytime Dad duty with both boys.
I missed it.
When Joey started kindergarten last Fall I thoroughly enjoyed the one-on-one time with Aiden, and Joey was so happy and proud to be in kindergarten and riding the bus, that it was an easy adjustment. But, just like when I was a kid, Joey was very much ready for summer vacation.
We are filling the days with bike riding, baseball, hockey, gardening, yard work, more bike riding, hiking, family visits, swimming, and — you better believe it — fishing. So, while I’m becoming an expert in patching bicycle tires and skinned knees, the boys are learning how to catch wild brown trout. It’s all possible now. This is the summer I’ve been waiting for.
I sort of have a personal rule that if either of my boys ask to play baseball, play guitar, or go fishing I say yes. You know . . . all the important things.
“Dad, can we go fishing after breakfast?”
“Well, yes, son. Yes we can.”
The comfortable sense of peace and curiosity that comes over these boys when close to a trout stream is something that I only hoped for but didn’t necessarily expect. I’ve been around enough kids now to know that being out there isn’t for everyone. So I can only continue to hope that they maintain their natural love for the same things I do. These fishing environments, and the goals and obsessions that come with trout fishing, are good for me. And I think they are good for my boys too.
We fished a couple days in a row. Yesterday we got out too late in the afternoon and the fish reminded us that it was summer.
Today we were out in the late morning and the fish were fairly active on nymphs — long, pink, rubber, squirmy ones.
Brothers
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Enjoy the day.
Domenick Swentosky
T R O U T B I T T E N
domenick@troutbitten.com
The values we teach our children are paramount. It was interesting. While fishing the San Juan I was walking out of an area that allows both spin and fly fishing. A young boy was bring in his first catch ever! I stopped to cheer him on. What emerged was a magnificent brown hen, beguiled in dark spots and the colors of fall. Once the fish was netted the boy began to jump with joy and the first words out of his mouth (and I kid you not) were, ‘Let’s kill it!!! Let’s Kill it.” Usually I don’t interfere with parental issues, but instinct took over and I blurted out, ‘why would you kill such a beautiful creature?” I’m to sure if they heard me, but I could only imagine the conversation I’d have had with my child if that were the first remark. There is nothing wrong with harvesting, and I hope the parent took the opportunity to explain conversation before they decided what to do.
Thanks!
Made my day.
Lovely story! A nice counterpoint to the trials and tribulations of current times…cherish the time with the boys, it passes too quickly!
Dom, you are a fortunate man. As a Dad with four young men, I can tell you, with your values and strengths- it gets even better. Watching them learn and then to want more is the best a Dad can do. If we give them permission to expand every day, some day they become confident, competent men. You are giving them – so much. Thanks for teaching me and giving permission for all of us to get better. Keep going.
That is the best thing to do with your two young sons. I did the same with my two boys and now that they are grown men my youngest son is a fly fishing guide in CO at VVA. I taught them the value of the outdoors and fly fishing for trout. Hopefully one day one of your son’s will guide too. Thank you for sharing and following your dreams. Your sons will grow up fast and spend as much time with them as you can as a father. Keep up the great work your doing.