2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old son
- Walleye'm Fishing
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2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old son
I went ice fishing a bunch of times this year with my main fishing partner, my 4 year old son Nicolas.
Nico has been fishing with me since he was 2 years old.
I got out 17 times since the beginning of January and Nico joined me on 9 trips. Now that he is 4 years old, he considers himself an ice fishing expert who knows all the ins and outs of the sport.
His favourite part of the setting up process is scooping the slush out of every hole.
When the fishing was slow and the snow was sticky enough, we'd build a snowman.
Our first time out this winter was for brookies and all that we caught was one small speck but Nico was the happiest kid in the world.
Besides being blessed with a son, I am also very lucky to have 3 brothers. Needless to say, it's pretty easy for me to find someone to go fishing with. Not all my brothers are fishing nuts like me but the 4 of us try to go fishing together at least once a year. This winter we all hit the ice with Nico for some specks.
Sometimes when you make plans mother nature doesn't always cooperate and on this day, we were fishing in a blizzard.
A few weeks later, I got out for some specks again with a couple of my brothers and Nico.
Due to the bitter cold and wind, this entire day was spent in the tent with Nico. A few small brookies caught in the tent were just enough to keep Nico interested during this outing.
After about a half dozen brookie trips, I was ready to target my other preferred species: walleyes
I got out with my buddy Bass on the river and on a -30 degree outing, we managed to ice over 20 walleyes/saugers in under 2 hours.
A couple of weekends later, I returned with Bass and Nico for some more river walleyes.
Scattered here and there throughout the winter were a few pan fish outings.
Nico and I even brought mom and our 10 month old fisher girl onto the ice.
The winter of 2013-14 will be remembered for it's insane amount of ice. A few times in late winter, I wasn't sure wether or not I'd even make it through.
A few sunset pics.
Overall, we had great numbers this winter but no size at all. However, great numbers are what you need when fishing with young children. Catching many fish regardless of their size will always make kids come back for more. A few skunks here and there also help them realize that not every day will be a catching day.
The time that I spend fishing with my son is something that is very sacred to me. I look forward to a lifetime of fishing adventures with both of my children. At the very tender age of 4, Nico already seems like he's hooked on fishing. The best part is when I tuck him in at night, he often says: Dad, I will always go fishing with you.
Nico has been fishing with me since he was 2 years old.
I got out 17 times since the beginning of January and Nico joined me on 9 trips. Now that he is 4 years old, he considers himself an ice fishing expert who knows all the ins and outs of the sport.
His favourite part of the setting up process is scooping the slush out of every hole.
When the fishing was slow and the snow was sticky enough, we'd build a snowman.
Our first time out this winter was for brookies and all that we caught was one small speck but Nico was the happiest kid in the world.
Besides being blessed with a son, I am also very lucky to have 3 brothers. Needless to say, it's pretty easy for me to find someone to go fishing with. Not all my brothers are fishing nuts like me but the 4 of us try to go fishing together at least once a year. This winter we all hit the ice with Nico for some specks.
Sometimes when you make plans mother nature doesn't always cooperate and on this day, we were fishing in a blizzard.
A few weeks later, I got out for some specks again with a couple of my brothers and Nico.
Due to the bitter cold and wind, this entire day was spent in the tent with Nico. A few small brookies caught in the tent were just enough to keep Nico interested during this outing.
After about a half dozen brookie trips, I was ready to target my other preferred species: walleyes
I got out with my buddy Bass on the river and on a -30 degree outing, we managed to ice over 20 walleyes/saugers in under 2 hours.
A couple of weekends later, I returned with Bass and Nico for some more river walleyes.
Scattered here and there throughout the winter were a few pan fish outings.
Nico and I even brought mom and our 10 month old fisher girl onto the ice.
The winter of 2013-14 will be remembered for it's insane amount of ice. A few times in late winter, I wasn't sure wether or not I'd even make it through.
A few sunset pics.
Overall, we had great numbers this winter but no size at all. However, great numbers are what you need when fishing with young children. Catching many fish regardless of their size will always make kids come back for more. A few skunks here and there also help them realize that not every day will be a catching day.
The time that I spend fishing with my son is something that is very sacred to me. I look forward to a lifetime of fishing adventures with both of my children. At the very tender age of 4, Nico already seems like he's hooked on fishing. The best part is when I tuck him in at night, he often says: Dad, I will always go fishing with you.
Walleye'm fishing, you're sleeping.
Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Awsome report!!! He has a good and patient teacher and in no time the student will become the teacher
- ShawnD
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Living the dream!
I've also got 3 brothers and none of them fish LOL.
I've also got 3 brothers and none of them fish LOL.
President of the Ottawa Valley South Bassmasters
http://www.ottawabassmasters.com/
http://www.ottawabassmasters.com/
- lapointeric
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Ahh, that looks like a great time. I hope my 4 year old son catches the fishing bug half as bad as Nico!
E
E
Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Congrats on what looks like a great hardwater season with the your son.
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Caught this on a fly-by morning coffee today and quite enjoyed it. You certainly are a proud papa and for good reason, getting Nico that much ice time through this cold winter is an achievement. Putting the lad on a little fish variety is awesome too.
Great pics.
Great pics.
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Awesome report,my happiest days on the ice this year were with my young lad. Just like Nico my young lad loves keeping the holes scooped out. He also likes throw pieces of his snack in the water to see if it floats or sinks lol! Nico looks like a natural that will be a lifetime fishing partner. Looks like a great season!
Fishing the St.Lawrence 12 months a year!
Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Very nice report!! Nico is a natural for sure, best fishing partners can be our own kids.
- Walleye'm Fishing
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Thanks guys, now I'm looking forward to open water adventures with Nico.
Walleye'm fishing, you're sleeping.
Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
I think Nico is hooked for life. Nice to see kids like that fishing and having fun .
Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Awesome stuff man. Hats off to ya, more memories to come!
RJ
RJ
- BrookieJunkie
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Great report and pics man. In no time he'll be a fishing junkie if he hasn't already reached that point.
- Laker_Taker
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Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Great report, great family! Love seeing kids enjoying themselves out in the great outdoors! You look like a great dad and a rich man!
Re: 2014 Hardwater Recap: Lots of fishing with my 4 year old
Some great family pic's and fishing here. As I'm sure yourself, I don't know who is prouder when my Son pulls in a fish or baits a hook on his own. Nice report.