My style of babysitting... - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Hunter (The 80's Man) · 11-21-2011, 07:40 PM

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.

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

Rob

pchen911 · 11-21-2011, 07:46 PM

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.

roby · 11-21-2011, 08:13 PM

Priceless!!!

Awesome video.....

GregAndrew · 11-21-2011, 08:26 PM

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

lamb · 11-21-2011, 08:27 PM

Very VERY cool!

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

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!

burning drag · 11-21-2011, 08:31 PM

That's a great feeling isn't it

kobra · 11-21-2011, 08:32 PM

That's awesome Rob. Very cool vid.

wiredantz · 11-21-2011, 08:43 PM

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!!!

wade · 11-21-2011, 10:04 PM

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

StinkyMatt · 11-21-2011, 10:22 PM

Rob, that was just incredible!

: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!

sdfisher · 11-21-2011, 11:51 PM

Great experience for the both of you!

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

RedSledTeam · 11-21-2011, 11:58 PM

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.

-RST

jorluivil · 11-22-2011, 12:44 AM

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.

jorluivil · 11-22-2011, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredantz

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!!!

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.

Monovasia · 11-22-2011, 06:13 AM

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

Aaron&Julie · 11-22-2011, 06:53 AM

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

blitzburgh · 11-22-2011, 08:15 AM

AWESOME VID! Can't wait to get my 22 month old boy on the water. I love the part where your boy keps checking on the fish, pulling on the stringer, CLASSIC. It makes me laugh because I remember doing that every 30 seconds with my Dad (& Brothers) at Pymatuning Lake (in PA). They would get after me over and over.."Put those dang fish back in the water boy!" HAHAHAHAHAHA....Great vid man, thank you for sharing.

mtnbykr2 · 11-22-2011, 08:19 AM

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

Tman · 11-22-2011, 08:41 AM

Way to go, instant fishing partner...

And it only gets better!

MrPukaShell · 11-22-2011, 10:12 AM

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...........

11-21-2011, 07:40 PM	#1
Hunter (The 80's Man) Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Riverside Posts: 243	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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk87vDa0rcY Rob __________________ What's in YOUR hatch? Last edited by lambadmin; 11-21-2011 at 08:18 PM. Reason: embed video

11-21-2011, 08:27 PM	#5
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,568	Very VERY cool! That part when he's petting the fish it is pure gold! 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! __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

11-21-2011, 08:43 PM	#8
wiredantz Currently @ MLO Territory Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Under the Shadow Posts: 2,290	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!!! __________________ Team: Disbanded You only have one chance in this life...make the right decision(s)...so you don't regret it

11-21-2011, 10:04 PM	#9
wade Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,214	SIMPLY PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!! __________________

11-21-2011, 10:22 PM	#10
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	Rob, that was just incredible!: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!

11-21-2011, 07:46 PM	#2
pchen911 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 218	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.

11-21-2011, 08:13 PM	#3
roby CEO of Team Roby Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 905	Priceless!!! Awesome video.....

11-21-2011, 08:26 PM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I found myself with an uncontrollable grin on the entire vid. WTG Dad, although now you have to feed his addiction too.

11-21-2011, 08:31 PM	#6
burning drag make do with what you hav Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: malibu Posts: 11	That's a great feeling isn't it

11-21-2011, 08:32 PM	#7
kobra Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: oceanside Posts: 880	That's awesome Rob. Very cool vid.

11-21-2011, 11:51 PM	#11
sdfisher Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 179	Great experience for the both of you! awesome video, the little guy pulled that fish in like a pro.

11-21-2011, 11:58 PM	#12
RedSledTeam Daddeo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: OC Posts: 660	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. -RST

11-22-2011, 12:44 AM	#13
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	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. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer Last edited by jorluivil; 11-22-2011 at 02:08 AM.

11-22-2011, 06:13 AM	#15
Monovasia Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 38	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

11-22-2011, 06:53 AM	#16
Aaron&Julie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Valley Posts: 1,400	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 __________________ "Never say die"

11-22-2011, 08:15 AM	#17
blitzburgh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Menifee Posts: 2,509	AWESOME VID! Can't wait to get my 22 month old boy on the water. I love the part where your boy keps checking on the fish, pulling on the stringer, CLASSIC. It makes me laugh because I remember doing that every 30 seconds with my Dad (& Brothers) at Pymatuning Lake (in PA). They would get after me over and over.."Put those dang fish back in the water boy!" HAHAHAHAHAHA....Great vid man, thank you for sharing. __________________ ”The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.” ~Thomas Jefferson.........maybe

11-22-2011, 08:19 AM	#18
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	what a video, what a memory...hang on to that tight it will seem like it happened so long ago, great job DAD...

11-22-2011, 08:41 AM	#19
Tman BRTF...bought & paid... Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,247	Way to go, instant fishing partner... And it only gets better! __________________ Adios Tman Gaffer for Clay the Fishcatcher

11-22-2011, 10:12 AM	#20
MrPukaShell Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ventura COunty Posts: 521	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...........