The Little Fisherman

This summer we have enjoyed a fair bit of trout thanks to Myles interest in fishing. It all started back in June when a friend who loves to fish invited Myles to go along with him. They were not lucky that time though and came home empty handed. Not a week later, that same friend showed up on our door with two fish in hand. He had been out fishing and thought Myles would enjoy a couple of fish since they hadn't caught anything before. Well, Myles wasn't home, so mom got to clean the fish and freeze them so they could be enjoyed when Myles was around. However ALL his sisters saw those dead fish and immediately declared that they don't like fish!!!

We cooked one up anyway as soon as Myles was home again. There were only about 3 of us who were willing to eat it that time. 

So, then we went camping in August. Myles brought along his fishing supplies and a new hook. He couldn't wait to get out there with his fishing pole!

 The first day, Myles went to the lake and started fishing. 

 He even let Charity give it a try...

And Melodee too!

There he is, patiently waiting for the fish to bite!

Another cast...

Oh! Was that a tug on the line?!?

 Yes... that was a tug on the line, but for some reason it wouldn't budge. Deadwood. Now to rescue the hook...

Naomi to the rescue.
The lake gets deep fast and she went in up
 to her chest to retrieve the stubborn hook...

Their plight was noticed by a nearby fisherman who came
in his boat to help them rescue the hook just as they
were about to cut the line.

Mission accomplished.
Naomi hands Myles the hook he nearly lost.

Well that was enough fishing adventures for the day. But it didn't deter Myles. He was still determined to do some good fishing. There were fishermen all over the lake catching fish seemingly all day long, so... attempt number two.

Everyone was going their separate directions. We had a group that went hiking up a nearby hill, a group that went to the beach and a much smaller group that went fishing. Myles came upon a fellow fisherman who helped him set up his line to fish off the bottom of the lake and before anyone else got back to camp, along came Myles proudly carrying his very first catch ever!!! It was even cleaned this time (YAY!).

 And there we have it a nice little 15" trout! 

No time was wasted in cooking it up and before everyone else returned to camp it was frying nicely on the stove, ready to supplement the supper meal.

It is such a joy to see my children take an interest in new things and seek to develop talents in new areas. I am so thankful that Myles is willing to share his developing fishing talents with us. Since that time he has again gone fishing with our friend and brought home 7 more fish. It is interesting to watch as we cook them up. I am finding that more of my children are willing to eat the fish he catches and they are enjoying it too. 

Life is a lot like learning to eat fish. Sometimes new experiences don't appear appealing at first and yet, when we engage ourselves in those same activities we discover that they are fun and enjoyable. I know that was my experience when I participated in Pioneer Trek as a youth. It is important to be willing to try new things - things that uplift and strengthen the spirit. As it turns out I enjoyed Pioneer Trek then every bit as much as I enjoy eating fish now and even more because those memories and friendships that I made at Trek lasted a lot longer than a little bit of food!