The Hook

I'm not sure when I really started my obsession with fish and fishing, but some of my earliest memories are of fishing in Colorado with my parents and grandparents. I distinctly remember a high-country beaver pond experience when I was four or five years old. We lived in Denver and one of my neighborhood buddy's parents had a cabin in the mountains. One weekend, Dad and I accompanied my buddy, his older brother and father on an overnight trip to the cabin. I don't remember much about the cabin, but I do remember what they called a 5-mile hike. We walked up to a high meadow divided by a creek and dotted with beaver ponds. I remember the cloudy, dreary morning and the dark water. I stood next to Dad as he cast. Suddenly a fish struck, and Dad handed me the rod. Beautiful brook trout seemed to hit on every cast, and I reeled in my share. I was hooked. I really don't know if that was a catalyst of my lifelong passion for fishing or if it was just a little gas on the fire. I do know that memory is firmly imbedded in my brain. I'm sure Dad was just happy to see me get such a kick out of reeling in those little trout, but the experience had a much more profound impact on me. Never underestimate the value of spending time with youngsters fishing, hunting and learning about the outdoors. I guarantee you, they will never forget. Seeing the accompanying video Mike Blair shot this spring reminded me of how lucky I was my father took me along.