“When you cast out don’t flick the rod,” my dad said on my first fishing trip, “Make it a complete motion-- like throwing a ball.” That first day fishing was one of the best days of my life. But fishing is more than just a pastime. It’s a hobby that has now grown into a passion. But most importantly, fishing helped my Dad and me build and sustain a stronger relationship with each other.
Growing up, my dad and I did not always share similar interests. We got along, but we lacked a real connection. My dad was really into cars or rather anything with a motor in it. I was more of an athlete, focusing on sports like baseball and basketball. But one day he asked me if I wanted to go fishing. I was hesitant, but I said yes.
We went to my dad’s cousin’s private pond. That day, I learned to cast a line and bait a hook. I found the experience peaceful, yet exhilarating. The calming sound of the cool, sparkling water slapping against the frame of the dock and the chirping of birds made it peaceful. The exhilaration came when I caught 8 fish. They were just small bass, but I couldn’t help but have a smile every time I felt a tug on my line.
After that, fishing became an obsession. Once I got my fishing license, I fished in streams, ponds and even tried deep-sea fishing. My dad was so ecstatic about my newfound passion. For six years, we fished everywhere together. During that time, we had countless deep conversations about anything and everything. I had never really had a close enough connection with my dad to talk about personal things. But, when we fished, the outside world seemed to tune itself out. Nothing else mattered. It was just my dad and me -- talking, laughing, and enjoying ourselves.
Whenever we had an argument, we would plan to go fishing the following weekend. Numerous disagreements were resolved on a fishing trip.
As the years progressed, and I got into high school I started to fish with my friends more. The experience was enjoyable, but something seemed to be missing.
I found the missing piece two years later as a freshman in college. It was my first weekend at home since school started. My dad came home from work and really hadn’t said anything to me. Then, after dinner he asked if I wanted to go night fishing. As I said yes, that same smile crept up on my face. That night, we fished together and I realized what I was missing. My dad and I don’t talk on a daily basis, but as soon as we fish, the conversations begin. When I fish with my dad, I don’t see him just as a father, but also a friend. I believe in fishing with my dad.
Walker is currently a junior at Lock Haven University, majoring in Communications. The last time he went fishing was over Labor Day, and he is already looking forward to fishing season next year.
