My style of babysitting...
 

Actually, my wife says it's not babysitting when it's your own kid. So, I took my youngest, Jeremiah (age 3) to Irvine Lake. The morning started off early at 3:30 a.m. I woke up and immediately started pondering the layers of clothing and what we would need for the day's adventure. Anticipating my own needs is one thing, trying to satisfy the needs and mind of a 3-year-old confined to a tank well is a entirely different dilemma. Snacks, drinks, snacks, toys, snacks, drinks, snacks, change of clothes... I tried thinking of it all, over and over. I wanted this day to go smoothly, and for the most part, it did.

We got to the lake about 5 a.m. and quickly took our place in line. We only had a half hour to wait until the gait was open, where we could get to the bait shop for a hot chocolate (the first form of 3-year-old entertainment). So, we sat in the truck and went over fishing technique. In 3-year-old terms, I tried to explain about drag, when to reel, when not to reel, how to hold his pole. I could see the excitement on his face. So, we got our drinks and waited the last half hour in the dark and cold amongst all the other fisherman milling around outside their cars.. lying about the one that got away. I could see it on Jeremiah's face, soaking it all up. He really felt like big stuff.

In no time the gate was open, the kayak was off the truck, and we were underway. I packed the pouch on the rear of my seat with all his stuff and told him he could help himself, which he did almost immediately (starting with the food). I threw out Rapalas on each of our rods and started paddling up the west bank. We made one pass, the length of the lake, and then hooked up on his rod... perfect.

He handled the fish like a pro. It was me that was the rookie with missed underwater footage, and net shot. With one on the stringer I felt instant relief.

I had accomplished the minimum goals I had set for the day. My son had hooked up and I got film to share with family and friends. We caught one more just before we had lunch on our own private island. It was a good day filled with lots of smiles, laughs and about every 10 seconds a "Hey dad!".

Now that's babysitting...

Here's a link of our day in fast-forward I thought you'd enjoy.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Kk87vDa0rcY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk87vDa0rcY

Rob

Nice. Been waiting to take my 4 year old out too. Irvine lake seems like a great place to do it even though it's a bit pricy. They stocked it with some good sized fish though.

Priceless!!!

Awesome video.....

I found myself with an uncontrollable grin on the entire vid. WTG Dad, although now you have to feed his addiction too.

Very VERY cool!

That part when he's petting the fish it is pure gold! :cheers1:

I got a couple of lil' ones lined up. The other day I was in Mission Bay with good friend's 6 year old. We rocked greenies and lizards on small chovies, had a blast!

The kids get that plain joy fired, it's cool to watch. We all remember when it was lit up in all of us.

It's cool that you carefully planned it, played safe, and got a great trip. Lil' ones can be quick and unpredictable. Very cool, your 3 year old is IN now... hooked!

That's a great feeling isn't it ;)

That's awesome Rob. Very cool vid.

THAT IT I AM PUMPED!!!




Starts up cars....


Goes to Big 5

Let me have 2 kids fresh water reels


Comes back home...





ALRIGHT MATT< ROBY > ERIK >GEORGE (just bring a doll)


WE HAVE TO DO A KIDS TRIP TO LAKE IRVINE!!! :you_rock:

SIMPLY PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob, that was just incredible!:luxhello::luxhello::luxhello::luxhello ::luxhello::luxhello::luxhello::luxhello:



I had a smile on my face the entire time, my wife watched it too. We loved it.


Your boy is a pro, he looked soooo relaxed.



Great job Dad!:you_rock:

Great experience for the both of you!

awesome video, the little guy pulled that fish in like a pro.

Special Dad
 

Rob,
That was an incredible footage! It takes a very special Dad to teach his son how to hold the fishing pole properly with the reel hanging below the rod. Way to go Dad! You found the perfect seat in the back too! What a great video. :party: -RST

WOW......that is by far one of the best videos father son videos I've ever seen, saying its priceless is an understatement. I recall the days when my son and I would go out on my boat, good times then the teenage bug hit.

Enjoy every second because the years will fly by and before you know it they'll be teenagers. I had not seen my daughter for the last few days because of her school and work schedule, today I finally got to see her but it was for a quick minute and unforetunately I was in bed trying to get some zzzz's before I came to work. Cherish every single second with your kids because like I said, before you know it they'll be teenagers with attitudes and trying to get some time in will be like a having a second job.

I'd sit my son in the back but he's 5'10", he'd look really goofy. Come to think of it, he will fit right in with us.

You brought back some great memories
 

When my boys were small I would strap the car seats into the hatch back and back down the boat ramp at the lake by our house...we would catch sunfish and catfish all night long....a couple of time we watched the sun come up...simply a great way to spend the night and bond with your kids and pass on the fever....

Thanks for the video

Hey Rob, that's magical. And actually with the great music in the background, and the way the camera moves around quite a bit, it's better than most everything on VH1 and MTV, and looks intentional. That is one music video that you'll cherish the REST of your life. Your son and you will look at it in years to come with joy and remembrance. Congrats on a job well done, as a father more than a fisherman.
Aaron

what a video, what a memory...hang on to that tight it will seem like it happened so long ago, great job DAD...:reel:

:luxhello:

Way to go, instant fishing partner...

And it only gets better!

One of the best video's for all time. I agree with the others, fishing partner for life. When he pulled the stringer along side and was petting the fish was priceless. That boy is going to cost you a fortune in the years to come. Thanks for taking the time to share...........

Wow, what a dream come true for a dad!!

A fishing partner for life!! Way to go.

Awesome job Dad!:cheers1:

"What's up Big Water's Edge". Classic

that is so cool! WOW what a great video :cheers1:

My most favorite fishing experiences were with my dad. All never forget when he took me out of school early, and took me fishing off the 72st jetty. We got three legal Halibut that day. All give up just about anything to fish my dad, who is also my best friend. Great post. Made me and my girlfriend smile!

Thanks everyone for the kind words. We really had a good day.
as a p.s. The night before last it was Jeremiah's turn to pray at dinner and he said," And I hope my friend the fish isn't mad at me". We ate the fish the night before that.

Great video and what a special day for you and son! Priceless. I really enjoyed the music can you post the song title and artist.

thanks Tim

One beautiful story!
 

Thanks for sharing it!
Chris

Rob, that is awesome! Congrats!

love it, Makes me want to take my boy out now.:luxhello:

"Send Me on My Way" by Rusted Root

I loved the video. Made me think of fishing with my dad when I was a kid. It was about the only fun thing we ever did together and it turned out to be one of the last. I guess that's why I got seriously into fishing after he passed away. I like to think he'd be happy knowing his ancient Penn reels are still catching fish.

Thanks.