Written by: Tim Daughton
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Do you remember what it is like to smile this big when you catch a fish? For many of us, myself included, our fishing becomes an extension of our day-to-day life, stressful. “Lets go, I want to get to that spot before somebody else does!” or “Just one more fish…” are phrases that are all too common. Don’t get me wrong: I love to fish, but somewhere along the way I may have lost some perspective. For the last couple of years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to fish with my kids, though, and my overall attitude has shifted.
I am convinced that kids want to fish for two reasons–to spend time with their parent(s) and because it is FUN! When I see one of my sons smiling from ear to ear, holding a fish he just caught, it all comes flooding back to me in a mix of emotions. I started fishing because it was fun, too. How could I have forgotten that? But fortunately, I am quickly restoring a proper perspective, thanks to toothless grins and giggling boys. Watching them fish has brought a deeper level of joy and satisfaction to me than my own fishing exploits. Occasionally, I still go fishing without them, but more and more I find myself thinking that I wish they could be with me. They grow up so fast and there are so few days to spend with them that I hate to miss out on any opportunity.
Someday, he will be a little bigger, and the fly rod will be easier for him to handle. But for now, his spinning rod will suffice. I am not in a hurry.
Tim Daughton is an product developer for Orvis Rod & Tackle.