A father and son's first fishing catch

Fishing is a great family and community activity. It is an excellent way to spend time with your children and neighbors. So, when Joe Jurcak with Fenland Townhomes asked me to help with a youth fishing class, I gladly volunteered.  

We planned for the class to be on the dock in Nowell Creek Village. Over the years, I have learned a few things about teaching children to fish. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. When I shared my plan with Joe, he thought it was spot on. 

On the day of the class, I arrived several minutes early. Never having been to Nowell Creek Village, I wanted to orient myself with the facilities. I parked my car and just walked around. It is a beautiful place. In true Daniel Island fashion, everyone I met was friendly and engaging. 

The tide was just beginning to fall when I walked out onto the dock. Joe was already there along with Bodhi, my soon-to-be star pupil. Bodhi was very polite, a bit shy, and eager to learn about fishing. 

We cast a Z-Man Finesse TRD on a NedLockZ jig up current of the dock and let the outgoing tide bounce the lure along the bottom. When the lure swept past the dock, we would reel it in and cast again. We did this several times without a bite. Bodhi was patient and undeterred. 

Then it happened. A fish ate the lure, and the fight was on. Bodhi fought the fish like a pro, and soon a trout came to the dock. Bodhi’s dad took a photo, and we quickly released the fish. I was surprised when Bodhi told me that was the first fish he had ever caught. It was pretty cool to be a part of that experience. 

At the end of the class, Bodhi’s dad shared the picture with me. It was a bit wonky. My upper body is out of frame, and Bodhi is not looking at the camera. No worries. I feel sure Bodhi will be catching a lot more fish. This will give his dad a lot of opportunities to practice fish photography.