When in Rome....

We know nearly nothing about fishing. However, fishing is very popular around here. Everyone seems to love it.

When the town where M. works offered a fishing derby for children under 12, we decided it was time to get with the program and learn a little about fishing so that we could attempt to blend in with the natives here. For months the boys have wanted go fishing, and they were excitedly counting down the days this week until they could go fish with Dad.

This week we met M. after work and headed to the park for the fishing derby. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was happily surprised by their presentation.

10-12 gentlemen from the community took nearly 60 small children (most of them 8 and under) and held their attention for 90 minutes. They were well-organized, knowledgeable, and clearly loved fishing and teaching children about fishing.

Our first stations taught the boys about different lures for area fish. The kids also learned two common and simple knots to use on their lines. One of their favorite stations was the bait station. The boys got to see and touch crawdads, night crawlers, minnows, and even leeches! They were in little-boy heaven and did NOT want to leave this station!


These giant hooks and thin ropes were perfect for small fingers practicing unfamiliar knots.

The casting station was one of the boys' favorites. Each child had a rod with a weight on the end. The teachers had placed giant fishy targets in the grass, and the children were to aim for the targets and try to get their weights to attach to them.

Braden helped Brogan learn how to cast. He did a wonderful job. He was very patient and did an excellent job of explaining the hows and whys without being bossy.



Soon Brogan had the motion down and was casting all by himself.



M. helped Colson, who caught on rather quickly. It was fun watching the boys' personalities come out during this station. Brogan was sort of a minimalist, using small, thoughtful motions. Colson - well, Colson threw his whole body into the cast:


At the end of the night, each child was given their own rod and reel and a tackle box with the basics inside! This week we're off to get licenses and try out their new gear!