My Favorite Fishing Trip
I write articles about many things, and fishing is a big one for me. But to be honest, I’m not sure this particular article really belongs in the fishing category. Yet it’s my favorite fishing story to date.
You see, this was a great trip not because of weather or location or the many fish we caught. This was a great trip because of my companion; my eldest son. And it may well have been our last trip together.
I remember how he smiled ear to ear when he caught his very first perch so many years ago. He hid the fear of removing the fish from the hook and just beamed; another of life’s right of passages behind him.
And now he is his own man, and a fine one at that. There are a million things a 21 year old could be doing instead of sitting in a boat with the old man, but I was grateful he didn’t see it that way. If this was indeed to be our last trip together, I couldn’t have asked for a better time. We seem to change out there on the lake, our fast paced life far behind us. We weren’t even father and son, just two guys enjoying a slower pace, beautiful nature, and good conversation.
It was as if we could talk about things that were normally difficult. He told me of dreams he had; his desire to see the world, to make movies one day, to get his own apartment later this year. And I offered none of the usual advice (okay, just a little). I did not judge his plans, just gladly sat and listened to him. I was so struck with how quickly time goes by, I just sat and watched him, enjoying the fleeting time we had.
It’s funny how fishing and time distort each other. For me time just stops out on the water. The “real” world disappears. There’s only that moment, and I wished I could freeze the moment forever.
What a cruel joke of nature that our principal job with our kids is also the toughest one: to let them go. To teach them to be self sufficient and well adjusted, and then let them fly away. My wife and I are so happy that we learned early on to stop and appreciate the “moment” as they happen. Time really does pass too quickly.
And on the afternoon of our last day, when he caught a perch, we shared a knowing glance. A nod it seemed not only to the past, but to our changing roles and a new life chapter. And I’m happy to say, he still smiles ear to ear when he catches one.
This may not have been our last fishing trip together. But if it was I am terribly grateful we did it. It is a new chapter in his life–in our lives–and, although bittersweet, I am so glad we pulled off this last minute trip together.
And so, if you too are fortunate enough o fish with your children, do remember the point: enjoy the moments. Teach them to fish for sure, but remember just to sit and watch them too. Unfortunately, although it may feel like it sometimes, time does not stop out there on the lake.