Forget the Trophy

When taking kids fishing, forget the trophy. Just put them on action.

When we were youngsters, my grandfather would take my brother and I fishing all he could. Grampa loved to have us out on his boat. Sometimes he would take us out to the shallow reefs and we would drop cut squid or live shrimp down on small hook. We would have a blast reeling in grunts, porgies, snapper, and the occasional trigger fish. We would laugh and giggle as we pulled in one after the other on every drop down. What a blast!

Other times my grandfather 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 and see fish brought into the boat as big as us.

Shortly after we would get out there, the big rods were set out on outriggers and down riggers, and we would troll at slow speeds. “How long will 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 BORINGGGGGG! Possibly because he had us all doped up on Dramamine, but 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 over 40 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.

When taking kids out on charters, we understand from our 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, we are happy to 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, just put them on action! Or better yet, come out with us and we will show them a fun, educational, and memorable day of fishing.

If you are interested in booking a chartered fishing tour or have other questions about fishing the 10,000 Islands area, be sure to contact me at CaptainRapps@Outlook.com or call Lisa at our office at 239- 571-1756. Our team of captains love everything that the South Florida waters have to offer and truly enjoy sharing our passion with others. We look forward from seeing you out on the water this March!

Captain Rapps’ Charters & Guides offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and tarpon-only charters in the Florida Keys. Capt. Rapps’ top-notch team accommodates men, women and children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge and experience of the area, and easygoing demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, see Capt. Rapps’ first class web site at www.CaptainRapps.com, or call 239-571-1756.