Family Fishful Thinking

I began to question my sanity about the time I saw my sister reach for the panic handle and make a gagging noise from the passenger seat. We hadn't even busted out the worms and she was gagging. Nothing like starting a family fishing trip off with someone losing her breakfast.

"I'm okay, I'm okay," Sandy insisted as I guided their SUV into the parking lot. "I just get a little car sick on these bumpy, windy roads."

Windy roads? The road in had to be one of the best-maintained roads I'd traveled on all year. It was well-graded, wide and relatively level. And I was driving at about half my normal speed.

This did not bode well for the day ahead.

It was the perfect morning for fishing on North Crow Reservoir west of Cheyenne - cool, overcast and calm. At least that was the exterior environment. Our little contingency was loud, excited and well, motion sick. I'd taken the day off of work to take my sister, brother-in-law and 13 and 15-year old nephews fishing. I was fulfilling a promise to 13-year old Lane from last summer and trying to instill in them a little bit of outdoor knowledge and love of our great state.

Like me, my three older sisters and older brother were all born and raised in Wyoming. All four of them like the state and have a basic appreciation for the landscape and wildlife. But I'm the only genetic anomaly of the family who has chosen to make conserving this place and our way a life a career. This particular sister lives in Odessa, Texas - not exactly your typical outdoor paradise. Nor is my sister what I'd call outdoorsy, so I took it upon myself to introduce my nephews to the fine pastime of fishing.

Nathan and Lane are great kids. Both get good grades, keep busy playing sports and stay out of trouble. But I worry about them a little, being so urbanized and far-removed from the landscape. Outdoor adventures teach values and create memories that leave a lasting imprint on a young person's mind. Taking them fishing was my way of trying to expose them to the things I love. They just thought I was being a cool aunt.

All in all, it was a great day. We didn't catch, but no one fell in the water or hooked their ear. Besides, it's hard to beat spending time with family, let alone in a place as pretty as North Crow. However, if I had to do it all over again, and chances are I will next year when they come to visit, I'd do a few things different. If you plan on taking your own family and friends out on one of their first fishing adventures, keep the following in mind.

First, I'll do a little more prep work with them. Prior to arriving at the water, I'll get out the fishing regulations and go through the rules with them, and show them pictures of the fish we are likely to see. I'll also spend a little bit of time explaining aquatic habitat and where fish like to hang out and feed. Then, once we get to the water, they can try to use this knowledge to pick out what they think is a good spot. I think I'll also get them excited for the upcoming trip by having them practice tying hooks onto the line and practice casting in the front yard. That way, the equipment and motions won't seem quite so unfamiliar when the time comes, and they can have a greater sense of accomplishment from doing it themselves.

Prepping the adults going with you might be a good idea too. Nothing ruins a tranquil setting faster than a cell phone playing the theme from Family Feud from the bank. Granted, it was my phone that was ringing, but a friendly reminder never hurts...

Next, I'll remember catching is contagious. Sure, experienced anglers realize that there are some days you'll just get skunked. But I'll be sure to choose a location where the likelihood of actually catching a fish is high. Review the fishing reports in your local paper or check with a local fly shop to see what's active and what lures or flies are working. Fishing is more fun when you catch something.

I knew that the water we were fishing had been fairly lucrative of late. I also figured the reservoir was big enough that the boys could spread out and have room to cast and explore. We saw plenty of fish rising that morning, but just couldn't get any to take our bait. It was fun, but I know Nathan and Lane would have had even more fun, plus a great fish story to tell their Texas friends, if they'd actually brought one to hand. Next year, I'll take them to the beaver ponds on Pole Mountain and let them dunk some worms. The brookies there are small, but they are hungry and aggressive and fun for beginners to fish. Then if the boys want more of a challenge, we can move on to one of the reservoirs and try some more advanced fishing.

I'll remember to KISS - Keep it Short and Simple. Kids and other beginners have a relatively short attention span. Sure, I could have stayed on the water all day, but a few hours was more than enough for the boys and their parents. I'll plan a follow up excursion for later in their visit if they want more. Also, I'll still keep it simple. We were using worms as bait which is about as simple as you get. It's easy to get frustrated with complicated instructions or difficult tasks to perform. Keep it fun and easy the first few times, then start introducing more complicated concepts and tasks at a later date.

Next year, I'll also take along a first-aid kit and dry clothes. Kids come with all sorts of cuts, bumps, bruises and bites and there is always a chance for someone to get wet. Lane was quite concerned one of us would push him in the water, and my sister worried constantly about the boys falling in. Sure enough, we sure could have used some disinfecting wipes and antibacterial cream when two of our party members stumbled on rocks, scraped hands and ankles, and about fell in the water. True, it was the two adults that hurt themselves (hey it wouldn't really be a day fishing if I didn't bleed at some point), but some basic first-aid supplies and dry clothes might come in handy for the kids next time.

And finally, I'll remember that taking kids fishing is about the kids. I hadn't had a chance to fish since last fall, and I was eager to get out on the water myself. In hindsight, I spent more time fiddling with my own gear and practicing a new casting technique than I did teaching Nathan or Lane anything. Next time, I'll leave my own gear at home and focus on the kids, answering their questions and helping them with casting and lures. After all, I know how to fish...I was there to show Nathan and Lane how much fun it was.

So take a kid fishing this summer - it's fun to share your passion and experience with the next generation. Just be sure the car-sick sister rides in the backseat!