Lets Go Fishing!!

Cody Olson with his first trout on a fly-rod.

I took J.J. Olson and his son Cody out fishing today. With clouds moving in and out and the wind kicking up to nearly forty at times, I wasn’t too sure about our chances. But Cody was excited and since this was his last day of Spring Break we figured we should make the best of it. “Just one fish,” was all J.J. was hoping for Cody to catch so at least he would get an idea of how much fun fly fishing can be.


“Screw that,” I thought. We better catch more than one.

Cody was a trooper and the fish were cooperating. We put around 15 in the boat before the wind blew us off the water. Cody would have definitely stuck it out for more but was very understanding when I called it. Enough’s enough with side winds and gusts and…well, the reality is, is that we had a great day even though we were only able to fish a few hours. Cody did awesome. J.J. on the other hand…

Just Joshin ya dude. You did well too J.J. AND you brought fried chicken and beer!

I think what’s most important for the youngsters getting into anything outdoors is that they have fun and they get into the action quickly. Cody caught his first fish about 10 minutes into it. J.J. and I had put some time in the night before to find some fish and figure out what they were eating. I’ve also done a little homework on some gear that helps beginners land more fish. One really helpful thing is shock gum by RIO. It’s a stretchy piece of mono that you tie into your leader that is very forgiving. You can kind of horse the fish a little and not worry about breaking them off. In fact, I’ve been using it now this spring quite a bit and haven’t broken off a single fly with it. It’s pretty cool stuff once you learn how to tie a knot in it. The bottom line is to put some effort into it so the kids have fun. For some people that might mean hiring the right guide…just sayin. Once they’re hooked, they may even become your fishing buddy for life.

This brings me to another thought I had while cooking a fatty elk steak tonight. There are plenty of guides that donate their time to Healing Waters, which is a group of folks that offer fishing trips to vets who suffer from some war time injury whether that’s physical or psychological. As great as this organization is at helping vets experience things they might not get the chance to otherwise, I also recognize how important it is for parents to provide these things for their children. Just seeing how J.J. and Cody interact when they are out on the boat catching fish and having fun is proof enough of how invaluable these opportunities are for developing and nurturing a relationship that can pay dividends in the future. Unfortunately, many of the families of vets that are suffering get overlooked. It’s just as important for the kids to get that opportunity to spend time with their moms and dads and share in the experiences and have victories like these together. You’ve heard the whole thing about those who play together stay together? I think it’s true.

So here’s the deal, (and I’m dead as serious about this,) I need to put some time on the water for my own benefit to learn the water again and sharpen the saw so-to-speak. So for the next month or two while it’s a little slow, I’m willing to take any vet and his or her child out on the water for free. In fact, I’m so confident on the importance of developing these relationships with parents and kids, that I’m also willing to take out single mothers and their children as well. I realize how difficult it is to find that one thing that people can connect to their kids with that I want to help. If you honestly think this is something you can use to foster a more positive relationship with your child, or you just think it’s time to spend that bonding time and you haven’t found that opportunity, give me a shout and we will make it happen. All you have to do is get here and I will take care of the fishing and I’m sure I can find someone to take care of the lunch and even the shuttle.

Sadly, I feel like I can offer this because I don’t think people will take advantage of it because either they’re skeptical or they don’t think it’s a reality or maybe they’re too busy but the truth is, is I’m serious about it and we will make it happen. I think it’s that important.

Ok, so some ground rules; I’m only one person so I can only do so much. I want to reserve the opportunity for those families in need. In the chance that I actually get a number of people requesting to spend the day with me, I’m going to pick the folks that normally could not afford or have the resources to take a guided trip. I also cannot provide lodging, which may narrow the pool to those who can make a day trip out of it. However, send me a letter stating your unique situation and what you think you and your child will get from this and we can try our best to get a sponsor to help out.

You can send your info to: jl_butta99@yahoo.com. If you know anyone that could benefit from this type of opportunity, pass the info along and even better, send a letter on their behalf. Just put in the subject of the email: project fishing for futures. And if you want to help out in some way, I’m more than happy to work with you.

Keep ‘em where they live…