The most important fish of a lifetime.

[walrus]

I can’t remember the first fish I ever caught. I was long over fifty years ago, and so many milestones have been forgotten.

I can’t remember ever thinking any fishing trip sucked, including the ones where I caught no fish or got so seasick I couldn’t stand up.

I do have a vivid memory my first store bought fishing pole. It was purchased in Greenville, Kentucky at the Nickel and Dime store when I was eight years old. I can still clearly see it in my mind. It was a cane pole with red and white stripes painted on it, medal sleeves so it could break down into three sections, a short piece of mono line, a wood float, a split shot sinker and small hook. I’m sure it cost a whole nickel. The cane pole did not last long in the hands of an overactive eight year old boy, and no fish were ever caught on that pole.

The reason I remember this so well was because a few days after the pole was purchased, my dad was took my older brother and me fishing for the first time. He wasn’t a fisherman, but he knew we wanted to go fishing. We drove Kentucky Lake and rented a boat. He conferred with the man at the boat rental on the basics of fishing so he could help us. I still clearly remember the details of that day. To keep it short we fished, cruised around, went swimming, and just hung out as guys do.

Why am I writing this? A short time ago I was talking with my grown son and daughter about their first fishing trip. They expressed how exciting it was, while I remembered how proud I was when they caught the first fish. When I look back on what I’ve accomplished over the years I find those fish are more important to me than the largest fish I’ve caught. I relive those feelings every time someone posts a fish report with pictures of smiling kids, and a proud dad. To you guys, Thank You!

Those with kids don’t miss out, take your kids fishing this week, you’ll never regret it. Hey, how about posting a few pics.

If you don’t have kids or you want more of that feeling I encourage you to support “the Friends of Rollo” to give kids a chance that cannot otherwise get to fish.

Thanks for listening.

[PapaDave]

I remember my first fishing pole, same time frame. It was a cane pole ith a cork bobber on it. My dad took my brother and I out in the 'glades along the drainage canals. He would use a fly rod to catch bass and huge bluegill while we went down the bank with our cane poles and worms.

I guess it stuck. I am trying to get my grandkids hooked up in the sport these days.

[Deamon]

What a nice post. I also do not remember my first catch but I do remember my daughter's first real catch. She's now 17 years old and the days have flown by. She never picked up the sport but we both clearly remember and talk about this moment. A real treasure picture for me...

[DanaPT]

yup. . . My son thinks catchin fish is easy.

[TEAMFISH]

My first rod/reel was purchased from "Blue Chip Stamps" (anyone remember those?) Well that was 42 long years ago and i still have the setup. Can't remember the first fish but I know it was on the same rod, I was five at the time

[slobslayer]

Nice post... Last week I was going thrOugh my old fishing stuff and found my first fishing pole. Its a chartreuse fiberglass rod with a pushbutton reel. I may refurbish it and try to catch some bass again.

[YakNutz]

My avatar is my daughters first fish, cranked it through the surf all by herself at 2 and a half years old..that's a fish I'll never forget.

[Hypnofish]

Here is a memorable one with my 12 year old son on his lime green mini X. Super Bowl Sunday we changed up our routine and went out Kayak fishing. We meet three dudes that were bigger than any Ravens lineman.

https://vimeo.com/user2958944/review...234/cb5390cc53

[FishNinjaY]

Originally Posted by Hypnofish

Here is a memorable one with my 12 year old son on his lime green mini X. Super Bowl Sunday we changed up our routine and went out Kayak fishing. We meet three dudes that were bigger than any Ravens lineman.

https://vimeo.com/user2958944/review...234/cb5390cc53

you're gonna need a bigger boat!

[Fish4Fun]

I remember mine. Had to saved many weeks to afford a Daiwa casting rod (I was fascinated by the rod having a U offset) and a spinning reel. I remember this well because the first day I used it we had to run from a sudden tropical downpour. In my haste I lost the fastener screw to hold the reel. Luckily the guy at store from who I bought the reel fashioned a a wing nut and a screw for me. So for the rest of many years, I had the most weird looking setup for hey I had so much fun...

[wade]

Nice look back down memory lane, Walrus!
I remember mine..

[driftwood]

Yup, First impressions last for ever in a kids mind.