Written by: Dave Hosler, Pile Cast

Finn wades happily with Andrew Bosway, of Scientific Anglers.
All photos by Dave Hosler
When Finn came to live with us about a year and a half ago, I was determined to have a dog that could go fish with me. At eight months, he was a holy terror on the water. That’s not hyperbole. He sucked in the boat. He sucked while I was wading. He just plain and simply sucked at listening. He saw action and had to get to it.

Now that he’s steady in the boat, Finn is a more fun fishing partner.
I was at my wits’ end with him, but then something happened, and now he’s actually pretty cool to be around. It’s fun to watch his giant dog body and his still a puppy brain fight it out daily, and friends even sometimes comment on his awesomeness. He might act like a horse with rollerskates on sometimes, but he’s getting there. If I’m truly honest, that makes me feel pretty good.

“Are there snacks in that waterproof bag?”
I don’t really want much out of life. I already have an amazing and very understanding wife, a job that allows me to pay my bills, a nice house in a great area, a truck, and two great dogs. One loves water and one feels the same way about water as I do about stubbed toes. If you’re not greedy that’s all it takes. Your mileage may vary, but a good dog can make everything great.
So, take a dog fishing. I did that. It was pretty awesome. I’ll let the pictures do that talking.
Click here to check out lots more photos on Dave’s blog.
Dave Hosler lives in Indiana and writes the Pile Cast blog about fly fishing and his two dogs, Fritz and Finn. He’s also a former Trout Bum of the Week.

While we look for fish, Finn looks for birds.

He likes to share in our angling successes, too.

The author demonstrates how to teach your dog to recognize a fine smallmouth bass.

Hey, handsome.

A full day on the boat makes for one pooped pooch on the ride home.