Nathan's first fish

A few weeks ago, I took Nathan on his first, of what I hope to be many, fishing expedition.  The day before he and I went to the Bass Pro Shop, which was an expedition in and of itself.  My son loves ATVs, the live well fishing tank, stuffed bears and the hunting video games.  Next time he's bored, I'm taking him to Bass Pro.  Its fun for father & son!

Nathan Reeling in the big one. from Matthew Watson on Vimeo.

So, while we were there, we picked up a couple of fishing poles, a Batman Zebco for Nate-Dog and a super duper, ruby red something or 'nuther for Big Daddy.  Next morning, bright and early we headed out to a Catfish stock tank in Shelby Farms.  Nathan was doing an excellent job of casting and reeling.  I was really proud of him.  He really was doing a good job.  After about 10 minutes (and i'm surprised he lasted that long) he says to me, "Daddy, we're not catching anything".  Patience young grasshopper.  

Nathan's Big Catch from Matthew Watson on Vimeo.

It was probably 25 to 30 years ago that I sat on the bank of some catfish stock tank in Texas with my father. Casting and reeling a Zebco.  Mine was a Snoopy.  We went often.  Then my dad graduated me to bass fishing, and open face rod & reels, but honestly, my fondest memories are the ones that have a Snoopy rod in my hand and a string of catfish on our line.  Thanks for those memories dad.  Hopefully I'll be able to pass them on to Nathan as you've passed them on to me.  

It was just a few minutes later that Nathan, on his Batman rod, lands a 4 1/2 pound catfish.  It was the only catfish we caught the whole day...but what a day!

Fish gives Nathan a scare from Matthew Watson on Vimeo.