General articles, Thomas Turner blog
Fishing with Dad
Jun
Like so many of us, my fishing journey started with my dad.
I was six years old. To this day, I can still remember him waking me while it was dark outside and getting ready to pick up my two uncles, who were also keen anglers.
We drove to a lake not far from where we lived. I remember helping unload the rods, tackle boxes and landing nets before walking what seemed like miles through trees and bushes. Then, suddenly, the lake appeared.
Dad pointed out the tiny bubbles fizzing up near the reeds and explained that they probably meant tench were feeding in that area.
He set me up with what I now know was an Abu Cardinal 44 reel and a Hardy Matchmaker rod. I later discovered the rod had been shortened, but it served us well for many happy years.
Dad cast out for me and I sat patiently, mesmerised by the little bubbles appearing around my float. Funny what sticks in your mind nearly 40 years later.
I can still picture that float sliding away. I didn’t strike quite as I should have, but Dad was there to help. For the very first time, I felt the pull of a fish through the rod — a feeling I will never forget.
I turned the handle of the Abu, lifted the rod and managed to swing the fish towards Dad, who carefully unhooked it.
An 8oz roach. A lovely fish.
He placed it gently into my hands and told me not to squeeze it too tightly. I can still picture it now: the first fish I ever caught, wrapped up in all those wonderful memories of fishing with my dad.
I’ve been hooked ever since.
Over the next 35 years, we shared countless days together, from coarse fishing to fly fishing. Fantastic memories I wish I could live again.
As Father’s Day approaches and the river season gets underway, perhaps it’s a reminder that fishing is about more than simply catching fish. It’s about the people who introduce us to the sport, the lessons they teach us and the memories we carry long after the rods have been packed away.
From all of us at Thomas Turner, we wish all fathers, grandfathers and fishing companions a very happy Father’s Day.
