Fishing with Grandpa

A few days ago, Eric was playing with a magnetic fishing puzzle in his room.  He told me he would like to catch and eat a REAL fish, so I told him, "Maybe you can go fishing with Grandpa one day."

 

My dad loves to fish--and I have many memories of standing by a river while he fished endlessly.  Since Eric is only three--and not always the most patient or obedient child--I wasn't sure that he would actually enjoy fishing . . . but if he was going to do it someday, Grandpa would definitely be the way to go.

 

When we visited my parents later that day, though, Eric remembered.  He asked Grandpa if he could look at his fishing rods, and then started to plan a trip to the river for THAT AFTERNOON.  Grandpa told him he couldn't go right away--he had other things to do, and it was too late in the day.  He also told Eric he would need to pack a lunch and have a hat, as well as bait and other supplies.

 

We drove home with Eric talking about fishing all the way.  As soon as we got in the door, he went into his room and found a big straw hat--then went into the kitchen, got an apple out of the fridge, and announced, "I've got my lunch; I'm ready to go!" 

 

Even though I explained that Grandpa meant another day, Eric waited for him by the door for a good 10 minutes.  Finally, I suggested phoning Grandpa--and when he wasn't home, Eric accepted the fact that he would have to wait.

 

But he called Grandpa again the next day, and asked him if he could go on Friday.

 

Then Friday came, and the trip was on.

 

We went to a spot that Grandpa thought might be fun for Eric, and they started baiting up the hooks. 

  

 

Eric could not have been happier--in his rubber boots, walking on the rocks and in the mud, holding a fishing rod, and anticipating catching and eating a fish!

 

His first catch: a stick.

 

 

But it was a hook-shaped stick, which worked well to replace his old "Maui hook" that he'd lost.

 

The next catch . . . another stick, but a big one this time.

 

The third catch: an actual FISH!

 

 

Not a fish he could eat, unfortunately, but still, Eric reeled it in himself and was very proud.

 

After that the boys got some quality brother bonding time together,

 

and Eric practiced his fisherman poses.

 

 

Ben even caught a stick.

 

But Eric's bullhead was the only fish of the day.

 

All three fishermen pronounced it a success . . . and I would have to agree, because I probably enjoyed it more than any other time I'd been fishing!