Lessons Learned

Learned an important life lesson yesterday. NEVER try to take 5 kids fishing at once unless you truly love them all. I have 5 grandkids living close by, two of them 10 and 9 are experienced with fishing, I have posted about trips here with those two. My oldest son has three boys, 9, 6 and 4. Grandpa bought them all new rods and reels this spring and promised to take them fishing so yesterday was the day. BIG MISTAKE ! We went to a friend’s pond with a very short dock and high brush the rest of the way around the pond. Did not take long to learn the dock was not big enough for 5 fishing at once. Into the brush, the logs, the grass, grandpa and each other. “I need another worm, mines in the tree, he caught me, I want a drink, can we swim, how about over there grandpa, whats wrong with my new rod, ain’t no fish here grandpa, any sharks in here grandpa, he’s in my spot, how come you did not catch anything grandpa, I wanna use what he’s using, can I try that rod, mines tangled up again, when you gonna get me a tackle box grandpa” I was glad I mashed the barbs down before we left or we would have needed at least one new shirt. They all could cast by themselves but not always where they wanted to. Let one catch one and then there were five lines to that spot quick. They did manage to catch a few; the only girl caught a huge bluegill, just under citation on weight and 1/8” inch short. I wish I had time to take a picture of that one, I had the camera but no time to use it. Where its at now I have no clue. They all went home smiling anyway and I will do it again, it was all worth it when the littlest one hugged me and said “Thanks Grandpa for taking me fishing.” They drank a case of cokes and ate $20.00 worth of snack food. My oldest son and I agreed that we would have to take them on turns next time, they all want to go out on the boat now. I’ll have to get some of those harnesses you see the yuppies with on their kids at the mall. And a fifth of Jack Black.

WOW, you are braver than me. 2 grandkids at a time is my limit and I definitely leave my poles at home. Still when its all over and you look back you can't help but to get a big smile on your face.

After you give them kids the fifth of Jack Black, they shouldn't wiggle too much when you put tose harnesses on them.

Sounds like a great memory--Too bad it cost so much patience!

Sounds like you were good, though. Congratulations on a good family trip!

Hint "Duct Tape" one roll per child.

I know you had fun, I love my grand kids, but, don't always have the patience that I should with them. Better leave the Jack at home though, they want to share everything! :crazy:

Like Capt. Quint said about the shark................"He's either very smart or very dumb". You sir got gumption. Nice work.

Dayton

:yikes Thank you G-paw!

You got to love it. Same with my scouts. After a weekend camp out I want to change my name. But on monday night hear them talking about how much fun they had just makes it all worth it.

I bet that was like a Chinese fire drill. But sounds like they had fun.CF