Connor's First "Boy's Trip"

Connor had so much fun catching fish on his own he begged to go again. Sam and I took him and Oakley back up the mountain last Sat to feed his craving for more trouts on top. We started at the bottom of Willow creek with limited success. After an hour of flogging water with only a couple hook-ups, we moved locations

We hiked down the deep canyon walls where 2nd creek runs into the lake. It took a while before we started catching fish, but once we did it continued. Connor struggled a little setting the hook fast enough, and since he had "mastered" his cast, he wasn't receptive to any help. He was finally rewarded with a nice brown from the hole at the top of this post. I can't fully describe the joy and elation that comes from watching a boy catch some of his first fish wearing a grin from ear to ear.

I've fished these streams most every Father's Days since moving to southern Utah and each time has been a choice experience, this trip being the pinnicle thus far. I challenge those reading this to take a kid fishing. I could be the start to a life-long pursuit and what better place to be then in the front seat with them! 

Connor sticks some trouts on his own

 The family went to 2nd creek last Monday. Connor has been wanting to catch a fish on his own...cast, set the hook, & reel in. He insisted on using his all-blue "stonefly" to begin with. Fish would come up and inspect it, but no takers. He decided to allow me to tie on a stone-hopper and things got interesting. He really did a great job casting in the narrow lanes between the willows. He soon connected with a scrappy bow! The only assistance was me telling him to lift the rod. He caught another with the same minimal level of assistance. The third fish he set the hook without prompting! He was almost as proud as his dad!

Connor and I are heading up again tomorrow to let him practice some more...