Does it get any Better!!!!!

[Brian Manthe]

My story of being a proud father,

Hit the water today at 8am. I took my 5yr. old daughter today who was itching to finally get to go out in the warm weather. After an hour of fishing, but not catching, she got really bored and decided it was time for a break. So she sat down and not only ate her candy bar, but decided it would be funny to eat mine also, had a drink of Pop and told me, " I'm ready to start fishing again". She made me switch her bait to a shakey head worm. She casted the lure into the open water in about 8ft. of water and then it was on. She started yelling at me and I turned around and saw her little kids pole almost bent in half and it looked like she was hung up. I told her to start reeling it and suddenly a nice fish jumps about 3ft. into the air. I started freaking out, she started freaking out, and with 4lb test I was wondering if we had a chance to land this smalley. She did great and reeled it all the way to the boat and I lipped it. 2.2 lbs. Bronze back. The best thing about this is it was her first fish she has caught by herself. She is hooked!!! She's already asked me if we can go again this week. Turns out to be a great excuse to the wife to get out on the lake, the daughter wants to go hit the lake, I'll tell her. For the rest of the day my daughter thought it would be cool to keep rippin me about catching the biggest fish of the day.

It definitely doesn't get better than that....

Thanks for reading the long post,

[Sean Graf]

Thanks for sharing Brian!

Stories like this are just priceless!

Sean

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

It might be possible to get better, but I sure can't really figure out how..Congratulations on the big catch goes to your daughter..Looks like you might have found a fantastic fishing partner..Now nothing can beat that..

mac

[cedwong]

that is great! I am trying to do that with my nearly-4 year old boy. I was fishing from shore with a drop shot and got a bite while he was standing right next to me. I set the hook and put the rod in his hand (with one of mine on it just in case) and let him bring it in. It jumped 4 times before I lipped it. he did not want to hold it,but I showed him the eyes and mouth and fins, etc. then let it go so he could watch it swim away. he wants to go all the time now.

he is also asking my wife about getting a boat!!! Yes!!!!

ced.

[Skeeterman]

Thanks for sharing Brian. Just think thats one day she,ll always remember.I hope you took pictures.

[Ace!]

But you're still going to let me finish this tournament year with you, right? Right? Come on buddy.... Maybe I never caught a 2.2 lber, and maybe I eat your candy bars AND drink your beer, but I tell funnier jokes, don't I? Come on, don't I? I can just see it now, you'll call and say the boat's broke down and then I'll read on here about the monsters your 5 year old daughter is landing. 2.2 lbs, she's on her way!!! Nice!

Really though, that's awesome. I had Thomas (my 3.5 year old) in the garage Sunday practicing his casting. He wasn't getting it, but he sure as h*ll likes reeling it in.

[froteur]

great story. congrats on a great day with your daughter!!!

my bestest fishing buddy is my 15 year old son. we've been fishing together since he was around 5 or 6. i actually like watching him catch the fish more than catching them myself (well most of the time anyway) he kicked my behind a couple of weeks ago with a 7-14, 5-14, 5-03 and several others and i got one - count 'em, one - trout.

it's also a bunch of fun when i'm fishing with my son AND my dad.

-perry-

[Tomas]

that's aweswome!

i have a 2-1/2 year old and I can't wait for that moment.

[Turkeyman]

Brian, It just gets better as they get older. I just fished a small tournament with some guys from work with my 10 year old son. He will get bored at times and sit down play with the fish in the livewell or eat a snack, but he is great to have in the boat. He hooked into a 4 to 5 lb bed fish twice and lost her both times but he was very excited and as you found out it is just as exciting for dad. Good luck in the future with your daughter and great job on here fish!

[Marty]

Wonderful story of your daughter and you fishing together Brian. Keep those memories close because soon she will be walking down the aisle. They grow up so fast. But just around the corner you will be fishing with your grandkids. Your story brought back some good memories of my daughter when she was young. Thank you!

[jaime7819]

Dude, im on the same boat as you cedwog. Took my 4y/o son fishing this weekend while we were camping cought 3 fish off the bank in two mornings. It's great to be able to hook a fish for them and watch them bring those bass in while they splash all over the place. He hasnt made the connection with the boats, he doesnt like them because they are loud. But should be able to squeeze one in the budget in the next couple of years..............

[eagle123777]

great brian, bout the same thing happened to me a few years ago at clearlake with my then 3 year old grand...lil jig head with a nighcrawler...bingo a 3lber...havent gotten a fishin pole out his hands since....jack