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Fishermen in the Making!

I often think of my father when I am on the water. There are many things my dad has taught me over the years, patience being one of the most valuable.

Patience, an asset that many successful anglers possess, comes with experience and time. As many of us know, patience is important in so many aspects of life.

Recently, my dad and I were chatting out in his garage when he came across some old photos of when he was young holding his catch.

A few pictures were of dad and I, one of a buffalo carp dad had caught dwarfing me in the photo. In the baggie of photos I was a toddler, bringing back memories of days spending time on the water with my dad.

My dad growing up near Shopiere, WI, spent many days fishing Turtle Creek, the Rock River and nearby lakes such as Gibbs Lake catching bass, northern, buffalo carp and my dad’s favorite catfish.

Growing up dad and I fished many bodies of water around Walworth, Rock and Dane County. Having a smaller boat in those days we spent many hours on the water in our boat and most of all, ice fishing.

Ice fishing back when I was younger was always an adventure, most of the time we fished Koshkonong for those monster crappies in the 80’s. We fished Delavan, Geneva, Whitewater, Lauderdale and the Madison Chain just to name a few, usually on a bucket in the elements.

A far cry from our “High Tech” fishing of present day!

Since I have been guiding full-time, dad and I rarely get to fish together.

This year the summer disappeared at the blink of an eye, and it seems to fly by faster every season.

I had the chance to fish with my father, with family friends from Florida back in early July fishing Delavan Lake. It was truly magical hitting a bite on Delavan Lake that we will all remember.

Catching walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass and all of the bluegills an angler could want.

Catching all of these fish on light tackle our friend from Florida had a new mindset from fishing with much heavier gear at home.

It was fun sharing stories and fishing together making memories. The time I have to fish with my family is golden and I cherish every second.

My older son nearly 14 years old is quite the fisherman; he would choose his Xbox or laptop over jumping in the boat most days.

When I get him out on the water, he is a natural. There nothing like that feeling of pride watching your child succeed being in their element.

Recently my son and I had the chance to fish Lake Koshkonong reeling in one northern pike after another casting spinner-baits. I had the chance to take photos, a couple videos and share in laughter we will both remember for a long time.

My younger boy, just a toddler, loves being outside and protests when it is time to come inside every time. Mornings that we spend together we usually have fishing shows on in between Disney and Wiggles.

He is mesmerized by the fishermen and the fish being caught on the television. I just have to smile thinking of our first time fishing together when he is a little older.

Like many other parents out there, sharing laughter and fun times with our children never seems to be soon or long enough for this dad.

Taking kids fishing is one of the most inexpensive, but one of the most rewarding activities you can do together.

With many areas to fish from shore in our communities, taking your kids fishing is close to home.

Many community recreation departments offer fishing equipment to rent. Take time to see what your local community offers.

I have been working with the City of Delavan Recreation Department for years offering adult and youth fishing workshops giving kids and adults alike the chance to learn the sport of fishing.

Plans are to expand working with other communities offering the same opportunities to more young anglers into the future.

Please remember to “Take a Kid Fishing” and spend some valuable time on the water.

As we move into fall many fish will become catchable from shore once again.

I am truly a proud dad being a father of two “Fishermen in the Making”.

John Reddy a local fishing guide operates Reddy Guide Service in the Delavan area. He is a professional fishing guide and educator licensed by the Department of Natural Resources and a United States Coast Guard licensed Great Lakes Charter Captain. John is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.