 As
an avid outdoorsman, my love for the adventures of fishing
and hunting has come to me as a time-honored family tradition
passed down through the years. My brothers and I were
fortunate to have a father and grandfather that enjoyed
spending time with us and passing on one of America's
oldest, handed down traditions - fishing. We began our
fishing at an early age in our life. My grandfather taught
us the art and science of fishing with minnows and cane
poles, while my father, a tournament angler, spent time
teaching us how to use the traditional rod and reel. Both
of these great men in my life exhibited tremendous patience
and love as they passed down their angling skills to the
three of us. Fortunately, they did not have to teach all
of us at the same time due to the differences in our ages.
Otherwise, the patience they had would probably have been
challenged more than it was.
Last month, the city of Corsicana Park and Recreation
department, under the leadership of Sharla Nelson, hosted
a Kid Fish program at the new IOOF park. Although I
don't have an accurate count of the number of kids and
parents in attendance, it was clearly over the 250 mark.
Hats off to the Parks and Recreation department for
a job well done. It was run smoothly, professionally
and the park was in immaculate condition. They even
saw to it that the lake was stocked with channel catfish
in order to ensure greater fishing success for the kids.
 In
today's busy society, it seems that parents have less
and less time for their children. It was refreshing and
encouraging to see parents and grandparents bringing youngsters
to the park for a morning of fishing. Prizes were presented
for a variety of age groups and size fish weighed in and
measured. Thanks to those of you who took time out of
your busy schedules to bring your kids to the Kids Fish.
It was quality time, well spent, with our most important
resource, our children.
In July, I had the privilege of going to the Bassmaster's
Classic in Chicago, IL to work for one of my sponsors,
Quarrow rods. While there I met a gentleman named Rusty
Minick of Edmond, OK. Rusty is the founder of Kids,
We Care, a non-profit organization that promotes getting
children involved in fishing, especially kids that have
endured tragedy in their lives. Their mission statement
reads: "To restore faith in God and country for
children that have suffered tragedies in their lives,
whether it be taking children to sporting events, campouts,
or on a fishing trip. The laughs and giggles that are
produced are key elements needed to move forward in
the healing process."
The message is strong. As adults that enjoy the outdoors,
we often find ourselves using the time we spend outdoors
as a form of therapy, at least I know I do. Leisure
fishing provides me an opportunity to temporarily clear
my mind of the day to day challenges I face, relax and
recharge my batteries, so to speak. The same holds true
for our young people that are facing more and more pressure
from peers, education and society.
 Additionally,
you've often heard it said that our children are our future.
The same is true about the sport we love. The future of
fishing is our children. In order to keep the heritage
of fishing alive, we must take time to pass on our skills
and knowledge about the sport we love to the next generation.
That's correct, I said "take time". None of
us have time anymore. You must establish your priorities
and your family should come second only to our Heavenly
Father.
Rusty has taken his calling to a national level with
the Kids, We Care program. I would challenge you, as
an outdoors lover, to make time to take a youngster
fishing, locally. Pass on the tradition. You'll make
memories that both you and the kids will cherish for
a lifetime, I know I did with my dad and grandfather.
My dad and I are still making those memories. Last weekend,
we fished a Skeeter boat owners tournament together
at Lake Fork. We didn't win any money, but we had two
and a half-great days together.
If you don't have children or if yours have grown up
and gone, find a kid and change their life forever.
Teach them to fish or help them hone the skills they
already have. If you are a member of a bass club, I
would challenge you and your group to get involved with
the youngsters in your community. Try holding a half-day
youth fishing tournament. You'll be amazed at the response
you get and the joy it will bring to your heart watching
little ones get so excited. Many of our fishing industry
leaders are happy to assist you with products for prizes.
The future of our nation is found in the hands of our
children. The future of our sport is also in the hands
of our children. In both cases, it is our responsibility
to train those little hands and help them grow. Give
a kid a fish to catch and you feed his character for
a day, teach a kid to catch fish and you will feed his
character for a lifetime.
Until next time, enjoy the great outdoors!
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