CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 had 25 years of experience on him and had to put myself in his shoes for a bit. I had to bite my lip when that lure hit the tree for the umpteenth time and say “you are getting better bud, just slow down and try it again.” Or if he was working a lure too fast instead of just spitting out “slow it down” I would try to show him why it was going too fast. I would get him to look at the bream or shad swimming around and see if he could match their speed. It was a process that I had a hard time with and truthfully still struggle with even though my “little” boy is now 18 and one heck of a fisherman in his own rights. We have to remember we are building a better fishing partner and to build we need a
strong foundation. That foundation starts with time spent together on the water. They will learn to trust you for their safety, and to listen for your wisdom. Then you will use the “building blocks” of casting lessons, critter lessons, conservation and being a steward of the resource. The time you invest in your little partner as they begin the learning process will show itself soon enough. The day they skip that perfect cast under a dock or master a new technique will stand out for both them and you. Each first of a species or each personal best are always trophies worthy of celebration. Before long you will have built a fishing partner that you can both teach and learn from. The adventures and memories that come from that relationship are worth the every bit of effort it takes.