Al had bowling this morning, so we got a late start. He had another good day at the lanes, and upped his average to 97. Not bad for a ten year old. He was bowler of the week two weeks ago, and I bet he gets it again. Gotta love the free BOTW free game coupons!

I set him up with his little spinning rod and a F-7 Rapala in brown trout smolt color. He got whacked a couple of times, but couldn't convert. I gotta be honest, plugs aren't my thing. I like float, drift, and swinging spoons. But, after a friend showed me how similar they are to spoons, I'm willing to try.

After about an hour, he lost my last plug on the opposite bank. No worries, we can get it back on the walk back down. I set him up with a bottom bouncing rig, since there was some good current. He was getting the hang of quartering, but not getting bit.

Later he almost went for a swim, not believing or listening to me about current in deep holes. I was there to grab him, but his eyes were as big as pie plates as I hoisted him, stuck deep in fast water. Be careful out there when you take the kids out!

Then, in a long, deep trench with a wicked bend, I missed twice when my float did a little dance. I knew there were fish, so I adjusted the shot pattern, set up the long, slow drift, and handed Al the rod. Actually Kase's 10.5 UL rod. A big rod for a little guy, LOL.

After about 10 yards or so, the float goes down, and as I yell to set the hook, Al is already high sticking a fish that's running up in heavy current. Some coaching on how to steer the fish with side pressure, a couple of "dammit Al!'s", and a tired little guy was able to back up and walk the fish into the shallows where I could tail him.

Dime bright steelhead hen, spitting eggs as I handed her to Al to hold. 26". Not bad. Sadly, when I whipped my camera out of the dry bag for some pics, I got the dreaded, "No CF Card" error. Crap!!! Oh well, we released the fish, that was barely hooked in the corner of the mouth.

Awesome job, Al! Nice bowling and a nice fish.

Very nice. Congrats to you both.

Nice post, John. NICE FISH AL!!

I just wish I had pictures for you guys.   He looked like this, but less relaxed, LOL.

Is that a fly rod I see there???

Dammit......I'm busted. 

Its a 5/6 St. Croix Premier that I sold a year ago.  Fly fishing either sucks, or I suck at it.

Nice thread!

8-)

What a great thread.  I wish I could get my step-son as interested in fishing as I am.  This kid will sit in the woods for hours hunting, but won't enjoy a nice day on the lake.  He says it is too boring.  Maybe some day.

Tell you what, Big Al has about 20 minutes worth of fishing dedication.  He just has fun being outside with me, and walking in the water with the waders.  Fishing is not a high priority on our outings.  My dad did the same thing.  Took me allover the place, and I probably played with bugs and rocks for  most of them, LOL.

Cool story man, glad you were there when the little person got water logged.  At 10, there is still lots of good times to be had for you and him.

Tell you what, Big Al has about 20 minutes worth of fishing dedication. He just has fun being outside with me, and walking in the water with the waders. Fishing is not a high priority on our outings. My dad did the same thing. Took me allover the place, and I probably played with bugs and rocks for most of them, LOL.

That pretty much describes fishing with my son too. I posted about a trip with him last year in which I had to simply take a deep breath, and get my priorities straight  ;D.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1237706484/0#0

Just went and read your post Paul, pretty neat.  What more could a dad want?

awesome an congrats