I need to go to work

[Danny]

Because I'm so exhausted from playing so hard this weekend and need a break.

My Bother in-law had his two boys Ryan (8) and Colin (6) for the summer with him in MO, and decided to stop in with us for a visit before dropping them back with their mother in DE. So I had a great chance to spend some time with my nephews and share what I love doing so much.

Holly went up to the beach with them on Thursday, and I went up right after work. We had enough time to check the lobster traps and do some fishing.



We ended up with 2 keeper lobsters and a few shorts, then into the river for a few drifts. Nothing produced as we approached low tide so we headed in. On the way in I told my brother in-law Andy that we might do better closer to high tide if he was up for setting the alarm for 2 am and getting out. He say's "the boys will love it". I wasn't expecting that, and I was pretty skeptical about shaking a 6 year old and 8 year old awake at 2 am, jam them on the boat and expect them to handle it well, but what the heck, I'd give it a shot.

They where fantastic, even when the fishing was slow for the top of the incoming. But it all paid off on our first drift of the outgoing. We where slow trolling eels, one on either side of the boat. I look down at Collins line and it was out in front of the boat, but the rod wasn't moving, I look over at Ryan's rod, thinking it might be the current swirling faster than the e-motor, nope his was straight back. Then the fish finally got to the end of the slack and the fight was on. I cleared the other rod and used the e motor to keep the rod pointing at the fish as Colin started cranking the rod in the rod holder. Line seemed to go out quicker than it came in but eventually the cow came to the surface sideways and we where all stunned into silence. After netting it we couldn't wait to get it on the scale.

It was a 45 inch, 38 pounder! Not bad for a 6 year old!

the sun came up, the nephews and b in-law headed for the barn for a nap and I headed to work. Friday after work, checked the traps again, Nothing, but tonight I needed some "rest" I was heading out on a buddies boat Tuna fishing in the morning. We met at 3 am at his place and trailered down to Marshfield to put in. After a short 19 mile shot in his Mako 25' CC with twin 150's we where on the bank for first light with high hopes. Unfortunately all we managed to do al day was increase the size of our carbon footprint. Oh-well. To me tuna fishing is like buying a power ball ticket. It's worth buying a ticket just to be able to day dream about what it would be like to win. I had a great time on the water and greatly appreceated being invited.

Back at Plum Holly,her brother and all the kids where finding their own entertainment. They figured out how to dig clams in the basin behind the house.





That night the boys where eager to get out night fishing again. We set the alarm for 3, and where on the boat by 3:30. On the 3rd pull of the rope, it snapped. I was ready to go back to bed, but the boys weren't going to let that happen, so it was up to the truck for the socket set and some repair work by head lamp and we had lines in by 4:15. It didn't take long for the 1st fish, a 30 incher. Nice fish, but ryan was still feeling a little showed up by his little brother. After the tide turned and the sun started coming up, Ryan got a tug on the spinning rod I had cast out and he was holding. This was the fight he was looking for. after ripping some line and pulling him around the boat a bit we netted this 40" 21 3/4 pounder.



Not the monster his brother got but an incredible fish and he was proud to fight it on the spinning gear out of the rod holder. Again, not bad for an 8 year old.

Sunday we checked the traps again, no keepers, played on the sand bar and got a few blue fish. Then it was time to clean up and head home.

We spent the weekend catching stripers, blues and lobsters and I never realed in a fish or pulled a lobster trap, but I had the time of my life.

[Brandon-K]

WOWZAH!!!! Looks like you had a great weekend!

[captcal]

What a great story! Those memories will last them a life time
about the time they spent with their uncle. Glad you got the pics
for them cause that would be hard for other kids to believe.
Or anyone for that matter...

The fish Collin was holding was a cow for sure. Big belly
on her for everyone to see.

Again, great story and thank you for sharing with us.

[scottm4300]

Maybe that's my problem....I need to be six years old again!!!!!

GREAT story - awesome fish!! There is nothing better than teaching a kid to love fishing. Nicely done!!

[RICKSKI]

That was a great story and one the boys will always remember.

[Riverjim]

Great job...Great story...Great fish...

You have created two more life time fishing fanatics.

[allaboutfishing]

wow awesome ......
way to go kid's awesome job......

[oddfish]

Fantastic story and fantastic fish. Well Done!


Oddfish

[Smann]

Nice to see the yougsters enjoying fishing. My 3 yr old grandson caught a 5plus pound bass in the fresh water his eyes almost came out of his head when the fish came near the boat. He's still talking about it 3 weeks later.

[acnas]

Future fishermen for sure!!!