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The Sport I Love
Lending a helping hand to a sea turtle can be gratifying.
I want to encourage all youngsters from toddlers to teenagers to get excited about fishing. Fishing has been around forever and, yes it has become somewhat complicated with today's technology. Whatever happened with the cane pole days sitting at the dike or the jetties passing time and hearing fish stories from the past? Today's fish world is full of new and expensive stuff that makes it easier for us. My 50Mg rigged with a Laguna Wader is what my dad's Garcia spinning reel and two piece rod use to be when he was my age. When I get to be an adult, who knows what new things will be out there. Despite the more complicated fishing gets, fishing can be whatever you desire it to be. I will be the first one to say that catching big fish is nice but I have evolved through time and education from those in the fishing world that preach the protection of our resources. It use to be that catching fish was the only thing on my mind, but as I became more independent on the water I started to see that fishing was not only about catching but the whole experience of being out with nature, seeing how nature works and experiencing the things that a computer or video game could not show or teach me in real life.
Today's world for teenagers like me brings many obstacles and pressures that we face everyday. One big way that helps me combat those pressures and clears my mind of all things is to stick my two feet on some muddy or shell bottom whether it is north of Port Mansfield or way south in South Bay. Just enjoying the beautiful sunrises and the magnificent sunsets that so few get to see is rewarding enough for me. Just recently I visited our local zoo; it had been years since my last visit. As I took a tour of the place, I began to think about and appreciate my visits to the Laguna Madre where the wildlife was free to move at will. As I fish now, I am finding myself more aware of my surroundings. Call it growing up, being more responsible, or education getting through my brain. I now see things that I used to overlook. That bird standing on the waters edge now has colors that I never saw before; the egg sitting softly on top of a weed bed on the edge of the marsh now means a new life will soon occur. The deer and nalgai tracks on a muddy flat make me wonder where these creatures could be hiding. It is not a rare occurrence to see a herd of nalgai, does, or even a buck on the small hills of the refuge coming out of the Arroyo Colorado. I have seen nalgai, coyotes, deer, and even a rattlesnake crossing the same river. Jumping in the water just as the sun is rising above the horizon and hearing a pack of howling coyotes on the move is a notable experience. You certainly can't experience these things sitting on a couch at home.
I remember when I was very young and my dad was teaching me how to fish. It was throwing artificials with a Zebco push button from the very beginning. I recall the days when my dad was really tough on me while teaching me the sport. To most, giving up would have been the easy way out, but for me it just made me strive to get better. I am not saying that was right, but I took the lectures and the stern teachings to make me a more accomplished fisherman. Don't tell my dad, but now I think he tries to mimic me. All kidding aside, you possibly have an adult whether it be your dad, grandfather, uncle, or an adult female that is willing to take some time to teach you how to fish and educate you on the precious resource that has many wonderful experiences to offer.
I can surely tell you that fishing is a good way to spend time and bond with your dad or other loved one. There is no money in the world that can bring the satisfaction of a father and son spending time on the water. Talking and joking with my dad has helped built a strong bond between us, catching or no catching. Fishing can teach us many life applications and discipline that is so hard to find these days. I see and hear it all the time at my high school from kids that have no one to teach them or spend time with them. Having a passion for a sport such as fishing can keep you busy and out of trouble.
Whether it is fishing from a pier, a boat, or wading, the adrenaline rush that comes when a fish is at the end of your line is absolutely awesome. When I am out there, I often think of how many of my friends never have the privilege to experience what I see frequently. Most kids my age see paved roads and curbs, I see shorelines and water. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed. You too can experience the adrenaline rush of reeling in a fish, the bonding with a loved one, or view nature's zoo. Perhaps you all ready do these things, and as you are reading this article, you know exactly what I am talking about. For those of you that haven't quite yet gotten hooked on fishing, the best time to start is while you are young and teachable. Start talking to the adults in your life that love the sport of fishing. Talk them into taking you out and teach you a life long sport that will bring many wonderful memories.
In writing for TSFM, my goal is to write my experiences in hoping that I can encourage more young people like myself to experience the passion and fulfillment that fishing can bring. The opportunity to write for the magazine has brought me many wonderful memories and experiences with my dad and friends. Experiences that I hope to carry on and share with anyone that is willing to listen. I feel honored to hold such a responsibility in representing the young generation that read TSFM, and I thank Mr. Everett Johnson and staff for the opportunity to write for such a great magazine. I love the sport and hope my passion for the resource is passed on.
Today's world for teenagers like me brings many obstacles and pressures that we face everyday. One big way that helps me combat those pressures and clears my mind of all things is to stick my two feet on some muddy or shell bottom whether it is north of Port Mansfield or way south in South Bay. Just enjoying the beautiful sunrises and the magnificent sunsets that so few get to see is rewarding enough for me. Just recently I visited our local zoo; it had been years since my last visit. As I took a tour of the place, I began to think about and appreciate my visits to the Laguna Madre where the wildlife was free to move at will. As I fish now, I am finding myself more aware of my surroundings. Call it growing up, being more responsible, or education getting through my brain. I now see things that I used to overlook. That bird standing on the waters edge now has colors that I never saw before; the egg sitting softly on top of a weed bed on the edge of the marsh now means a new life will soon occur. The deer and nalgai tracks on a muddy flat make me wonder where these creatures could be hiding. It is not a rare occurrence to see a herd of nalgai, does, or even a buck on the small hills of the refuge coming out of the Arroyo Colorado. I have seen nalgai, coyotes, deer, and even a rattlesnake crossing the same river. Jumping in the water just as the sun is rising above the horizon and hearing a pack of howling coyotes on the move is a notable experience. You certainly can't experience these things sitting on a couch at home.
I remember when I was very young and my dad was teaching me how to fish. It was throwing artificials with a Zebco push button from the very beginning. I recall the days when my dad was really tough on me while teaching me the sport. To most, giving up would have been the easy way out, but for me it just made me strive to get better. I am not saying that was right, but I took the lectures and the stern teachings to make me a more accomplished fisherman. Don't tell my dad, but now I think he tries to mimic me. All kidding aside, you possibly have an adult whether it be your dad, grandfather, uncle, or an adult female that is willing to take some time to teach you how to fish and educate you on the precious resource that has many wonderful experiences to offer.
I can surely tell you that fishing is a good way to spend time and bond with your dad or other loved one. There is no money in the world that can bring the satisfaction of a father and son spending time on the water. Talking and joking with my dad has helped built a strong bond between us, catching or no catching. Fishing can teach us many life applications and discipline that is so hard to find these days. I see and hear it all the time at my high school from kids that have no one to teach them or spend time with them. Having a passion for a sport such as fishing can keep you busy and out of trouble.
Whether it is fishing from a pier, a boat, or wading, the adrenaline rush that comes when a fish is at the end of your line is absolutely awesome. When I am out there, I often think of how many of my friends never have the privilege to experience what I see frequently. Most kids my age see paved roads and curbs, I see shorelines and water. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed. You too can experience the adrenaline rush of reeling in a fish, the bonding with a loved one, or view nature's zoo. Perhaps you all ready do these things, and as you are reading this article, you know exactly what I am talking about. For those of you that haven't quite yet gotten hooked on fishing, the best time to start is while you are young and teachable. Start talking to the adults in your life that love the sport of fishing. Talk them into taking you out and teach you a life long sport that will bring many wonderful memories.
In writing for TSFM, my goal is to write my experiences in hoping that I can encourage more young people like myself to experience the passion and fulfillment that fishing can bring. The opportunity to write for the magazine has brought me many wonderful memories and experiences with my dad and friends. Experiences that I hope to carry on and share with anyone that is willing to listen. I feel honored to hold such a responsibility in representing the young generation that read TSFM, and I thank Mr. Everett Johnson and staff for the opportunity to write for such a great magazine. I love the sport and hope my passion for the resource is passed on.