Caleb’s Spring Break 2022

Today was the day. Caleb’s fishing day. He’s 10, doing very good on school and is an even better person, friend and citizen. We started the day at his favorite, Chick-Fil-A. Then picked up some minnows and off to Dutch Gap on the James river.

10 hours on the water. Started out tough. But he managed gizzard shad, herring, white perch, bass and crappie. We had a blast.

Ended the day with this guy on our very last minnow as the sun was going down.

Attachment 423914


Caleb’s James River Bass - YouTube

Caleb crappie no reel - YouTube

Caleb’s spring break Black Crappie - YouTube

To celebrate that beautiful crappie he got to choose dinner too

Attachment 423915

I’m beat! He was still pumped. Thanks to the fishing Gods for a great day.

Happy Spring All.

Dayton

Congrats to Caleb of a day of Spring Break well spent.

Good post Dayton. Thanks

very nice, thanks for sharing

Great videos, great job Caleb. Thanks for posting.

Good job. Awesome black crappie to end the day. Very nice. :highfive

Dayton, great job giving this young man a day he will never forget!

WTG Dayton..A great memorable day for both of you..:fish

Great job Caleb! Very cool videos.

I'm up now. Slept like a rock. I was wore out.

Thanks guys. It was a very cool day. 10 hours and we were busy the entire time. So much to see in central Virginia. We really do have a wonderful place to live and play. We saw Blue Herons, Black Cormorants, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, a wood duck pair, geese and big turkey flew in front of us as we headed in for the day. The James is so full of history too. 4 graders get Virginia history and it really comes alive riding up the river towards Richmond. We discussed the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Jamestown and Henricus. We anchored up in Richmond and talked about the diverse group of anglers up on The Wall at Ancarrow park, and made sure we noted how well everyone got along regardless of our differences, including language barriers. Fishing really is universal, both for recreation and saving some for dinner.

That stretch of the river gets tight in April. People fishing from the bank on both sides of the river, so the boats give them plenty of room to cast. Boats line up in the center and most everyone plays nice. Boats, big and small, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards all use the same area. We asked a young man if he minded if we anchored up kinda close below him and he said sure! A bit later that guy made a bunch of noise as he pulled in his concrete block anchor and headed out. We watched as he went over to the wall and something was going on. Splashing and yelling a crowd gathering above. He took his shirt off and used it to subdue a Cormorant that had taken someone's bait and hook. He got it unhooked and each on their way, to the cheers of those watching. He came back over and re-anchored. He was a bit scratched up and winded from the ordeal. Pretty cool to see.

On the way up river we were stopped at Deep Water Terminal checking out a barge loaded with shipping containers getting ready to head down river to Norfolk. The big Henrico Fire and Rescue boat was headed down river. Caleb stood up and waved. The fire guys immediately came off plane, the Captain open his cockpit window and another fireman exited and came to the side to check and make sure we were okay. Thumbs up given and returned, and each of us were on our way again. Thanks guys!

I'll see if I can get some more pics to upload from my phone. I may need a nap soon!

Attachment 423944

Attachment 423945

Attachment 423946

Attachment 423947

Attachment 423948

Attachment 423949

That flag pole is 212' tall and the Flag is BIG! Put up by the Smith Family of R.J.Smith and USA Iron and Metal. What a beautiful sight and meaning with it. It stands beside 1-95 in Chesterfield, VA. I get to pass it often and every time I go to the river. It is open to the public and has a small picnic area and a station to accept United States Flags that need to be retired. Signage explains proper handling of the Flag and that donated one will be given to the VFW and/or a certain Boy Scout troop for proper handling.

We took the time to discuss what our Flag stands for and what it takes to continue to be blessed with these lives we have. I look forward to him staying out of trouble, going to work and taking me fishing when I'm old. If he keeps going like he has, he has a bright future. It's really up to him. Caleb lives with his grandma. Nana is a wonderful woman. The kind every kid needs. If we are playing out side, he heads in at 6pm. "It's homework time. Nana makes me get it all done." And it shows. He bailed out of Nana's car a couple weeks ago. "Mr. Keene I got my report card. All B's and one A. The A is in math!" His little sister will not be outdone. She runs over gets in front of him and says "I moved up 2 reading levels!!". Grandma has a lot of good going on!

Attachment 423971Caleb is standing at the base. Flag has been at half staff way to often lately.

Really cool post!
Congratulations Caleb.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

great post. thanks.