Fishing with the Grandkids

FOLLOW THE FISH
Capt. Pete Rapps
CaptainRapps@gmail.com

When we were children, my grandfather used to take my brother and I fishing all he could. Grandpa just loved to have us out on the boat. Sometimes, he would take us out to the shallow reefs, and we would drop live shrimp down on small hook. We would have a blast reeling in grunts, porgies, snapper, ladyfish, jacks and the occasional triggerfish. We would laugh and giggle as we pulled in one after the other on every drop down. What a blast!

Other days Grandpa would take us out for big fish. He would tell us we were going to try to catch big wahoo, kingfish and Mahi Mahi. We were not going to bring the small reef gear. We only had room for the big rods. We would get all excited and could not wait to get out there to see fish brought into the boat as big as us.

After a long ride offshore, the big rods were set out on

outriggers and down riggers, and we would troll at slow speeds. “How long would it be?” we always asked impatiently. “Hopefully, soon,” Grandpa would always reply. Some days it seemed like we trolled for eight hours only to catch a fish or two. Sometimes more, sometimes none. For us kids, it was just BORING — possibly because he had us all doped up on Dramamine. Truthfully, there was really nothing for us to do, and we began to despise it. We got to the point that we were losing interest in fishing all together because of the long trolling trips. We didn’t care about the trophy fish; we just wanted action.

That was more than 30 years ago, and now I have been on just about every type of fishing trip imaginable. I still have some fish to catch on my “Bucket List”, but I have grown more patient and understand that fishing is called “fishing” for good reason. It’s not called “catching!” On my days

off, I enjoy being out on the water, and realize that fish caught are just a bonus.

If everyone could remember when taking kids out fishing — I understand from my own experiences — that it’s all about putting them on constant action. They need fish right away, not a 50-minute ride to the trophy spot. If need be, make the casts for them, but they need to hold the rod and feel the bite. They need to reel in the fish and feel it wiggle. They don’t care if it’s a big snook or redfish. It could be a catfish, jack, ladyfish or tiny little snapper. As long as it takes the bait and wiggles, it’s exciting. I never let them know what we consider trash or undesirable fish. You just have to keep them excited.

So next time you take the kids out fishing, forget the trophies for the day, and just put them on fish! Need some lessons? Book a charter, and we’ll show you how it’s done.

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