First Time Fishing
by Capt. Dave Adams

We had entered the port many times, but today was different. The entranceway to the port had taken a new appearance. The entire marina was abounding with children and adults participating in a program called Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs.

Few things are as thrilling as the sound of a child's laughter along with the excited proclamation: "I caught a fish." The smiles and enthusiasm instantly bring back the memory of our first day fishing. Perhaps we all can remember a certain day or experience that is painted in our memory.

My first angling adventure had me at a local farm pond on a warm summer morning. The painting in my memory is vivid. I remember all of my senses being awakened. Before me was something very different: ducks gracefully swimming, birds singing, and the croaking of the bullfrog.

My young mind wondered about the mystery of what was beneath the water.

To a five-year-old boy on his first fishing trip, a diminutive bluegill can give the appearance of a trophy muskie. After a brief instruction on angling, my mentor began to show a young angler the correct technique. My cast was flawless and after a hasty but energetic fight, the fish of a lifetime was mine.

As I proudly held the bluegill, my cousin carefully removed the hook and gently placed the fish back in the water. Even though catch and release fishing was not practiced at that time, that lesson of respect for a living creature stayed with me forever. Thirty-five years have past since that day. And with all the skills of a seasoned angler, my cousin started a passion for the outdoors that still burns as strong today as it did on that first fishing trip.

If you are an experienced angler or have never fished before, perhaps introducing a kid into the sport will bring back memories similar to these. Maybe new memories will be started as you and a friend share new adventures.

Adventure and relationships started while fishing can begin at any small pond, along a riverbank or an ocean-fishing pier. The only elements needed are two people and water. Any young angler can take you back to when you were a kid. Look for this fellow angler at your home, in your neighborhood, among your relatives, or one of the great programs offered for kids.

Hooked on Fishing not Drugs, National Fishing Week, and The Fish For Free Days that many states offer the perfect opportunity to fish with kids.

To start fishing, any adult or kid must remember that the sport is a simple sport and does not need to be an expensive undertaking. It can be started with a little as a baitcasting rod and a bobber. A few important steps to keep it enjoyable are a friend, location, and patience.

A great location to start fishing can be a state or county park. Most have lakes or ponds that provide easy access and are close to playgrounds and picnic areas. Start the day by catching panfish, and follow up with a picnic. Keep your first trip simple; allow for short attention spans of both the youngster and you.

The memories painted in both your minds might include catching that first fish, ducks swimming in the water, or a new appreciation of the outdoors.

To appreciate this storied pastime requires minimum time. Even though our fast-paced society has every second accounted for, allow a few precious hours to enjoy a pastime with the children of today.

The passion for fun we enjoyed back - when the only schedules we kept, were the start of summer and the start of school - can be enjoyed again.

Environment awareness and a love for the outdoors begin at a young age. We are guardians of this great planet and as we wake up to that spectacular warm sunrise, the feeling we receive can be with us every day. Thanks to sound environment practices, the future of fishing is strong.

Allowing time to enjoy our children will teach us all the joys of being a kid again.

Dave Adams
2005 Victoria Ave.
Arnold, Pa. 15068
(724) 339-8614
fisherie@bellatlantic.net