I was so excited about the trip that I could hardly sleep. In fact I was up at 5 am and dressed by 5:20. I decided to see if I could wake the boy. I whispered to him, "Jackson wake up, its time to go fishing." To my surprise and overwhelming joy, he nearly lept out of bed and was ready to put his clothes on.
He dressed while I packed his snacks and things and we left the house by 5:30. A quick stop at McDonald's for breakfast and we were on the road.
First stop was Jerry's for some live shrimp which my son was intrigued by, but would not touch. I borrowed a bowl full of gravel rocks from the parking lot so if it was slow, the day could be salvaged by pitching them in the river.
Next stop was the Aucilla ramp. I got the boat launched and we struck out down the river. It was a might chilly and I started slow, but that was quickly overruled by "Go faster Daddy!" So I kicked the jon boat up on plane and off we went down the beautiful Aucilla. Some slides and turns later we were at our first fishing destination, Sulfur creek.
Water was slick and hardly any wind so we drifted down the channel edge. I rigged his Spiderman Spincaster with a big live shrimp under a CT and helped him cast it behind the boat. I set it down thinking the button was pushed. I told him to watch the cork and if it went under to start reeling. As I reached over to get another rod I hear "bumpity bump bump bump, splash!" As I turn around I see the little rod and reel skipping across the creek as if it were attached to a rocket sled. Whatever hit was big and moving fast.
Jackson wasn't really phased by this and insisted he could get it back if I let him use the net. "No, I think it's gone son. We'll get another one for your birthday. I'll let you use my rod." And with that I slid out the anchor and pitched the big shrimp out.
About 2 minutes later, the cork is gone. I handed the rod to my son and said "REEL!" He was working it like a champ and the first fish of the day was in the boat. A healthy 15.5" trout. His first fish, and its a keeper too!
A prouder moment I don't think I have had, and a tear welled up in my eye as his smile tells the story.
A few minutes later we are rewarded with yet another opportunity. Jackson to catch a fish, and me to relish in the joy of the moment. This fish was bigger at just over 17", and also went in the box.
We had few more short strikes but by now the wind is howling and it is really cold.
Also the bowl full of rocks was dwindling, and the tide had all but stopped. I asked if he wanted to go home or stay. "I'm ready to go." I said OK and packed up everything and headed back to the ramp at WOT.
Even though the it was short, I don't remember when I've had a more fulfilling day on the water. I have a fishing partner now. Hopefully for a very long time.
