It's always a good day with the Otter Team when our ducks are in a row for some fishing!
It has been a pleasure to include so many kids in our fishing outings over the years. Most had never fished before so it was great fun to be there to witness them catching their first fish. Some of the kids joined the Otter Team at about age 4 and continued to regularly enjoy the experience with us for many years. They have become life-long fishing buddies and friends. Some of our original little fishermen are now old enough to be taking their own kids fishing!
I've been taking this little guy fishing for years, got him started on small fish, and decided he was ready to take a try at a big one. After some coaching to get him prepared he got to work and soon hooked into a whale of a carp. It was his biggest battle ever and he managed to land it too. The huge fish was quickly released after taking a few photos.
Boyd helping a little member of the Otter Team to learn how cast and fish in a shallow stream. This little guy can do it all by himself now.
First time fishing for this little guy. It was a cool summer evening on the water and the fish weren't biting as quickly as he expected. We had been there a whole 15 minutes without any action and I could see he was becoming doubtful about fishing. He grew cold waiting for a bite so I gave him my sweater to wear. It was enormous on him but warmed him up enough to try fishing a little longer. Another whole long 5 minutes. Then his big moment happened - fish on! He was so surprised and thrilled to catch his first fish. And he soon caught a few more too. From then on he was hooked and much better prepared and willing to wait for the bite.
Using rods and reels is fun but the Otter Team can be determined to chase fish with a landing net too.
I happened to come across a little fishing vest in a thrift store one day. It was too small for me but I knew one of the boys would love to have it. I gave it to one of our dedicated little trout fishermen who then spent as much of the day exploring the endless pockets as he did fishing.
Boyd helping a little fisherman fight his first big river fish. It took both fishermen to hold the rod and reel to haul it in!
Our local fishing spots can be amazingly scenic and during autumn it's taken to another level of incredible.
