Being a dad is amazing.
It is amazing in a way that I’d struggle to adequately encapsulate in words. That is why I stick to writing about fly fishing.
I’m thankful that I’ve been able to combine the two. All three of my boys have had fly fishing experiences. All three have enjoyed their time on the water, in the woods, and with fish. I’m praying that baby number four, due later this year, has the same appreciation for the outdoors.
Here are three posts from Casting Across that pertain to fatherhood and fly fishing. Click on the image or the title to go to the full article. Enjoy reading or re-reading them, and have a happy Father’s Day.
If my clients want to talk about dragonflies, turtles, honeysuckle, or clouds, I do my best. I try to explain the difference between amphibians and reptiles, how photosynthesis works, and what plants you shouldn’t eat. Without being overt, I try to slip in some morals every once in a while. Patience in casting. Grace when someone is in a spot you’d like to fish. Stewardship of the creation we get to enjoy.
I’m definitely enjoying the time with my boys on the water, I’m excited about when we can really go fly fishing. What does that look like? For me it is an early morning start, gas station breakfast, and calm music on the drive to the water. Then, spending the better part of the day chasing trout. We’re working our way towards that, but we aren’t there yet. I have to be okay with that, lest I embitter them against me or the sport.
For the first few years of my angling career I was dependent upon my mother, friends’ parents, and then friends to drive me to a place where I could pursue trout. Upon securing my driver’s license and a car, a whole new world opened up for me. More opportunities to get out meant more time on the water. More fish to be caught. More of the outdoors to experience. More moments.