Fishing with a baby

Fishing with a baby is tough. For those of you who have done this daunting task, you know the challenges. Our baby girl is seven months old, and roughly eighteen pounds. She feels a lot heavier due to the fact that we are still using a chest mounting system during our hiking and fishing excursions. Hopefully a backpack is in our future. Furthermore, there are numerous challenges that come with taking a baby on a fishing trip. Just something as simple as hooking and landing fish is difficult. With her head bobbing up and down in front of me, my window of vision is narrow. I also worry about accidentally hooking her with my fly, especially when I’m fishing meaty streamers.  A hook burrowed in fragile baby skin would surely end with a screaming baby and a very worried dad. Landing fish is a whole other difficulty. Eighteen pounds strapped to my chest while trying to lean into the water for the scoop is quite a challenge.  It is possible, with proper balance and body mechanics, but not ideal. With the challenges however comes pure joy, both for me and my baby girl. Landing a fish, and watching her eyes keenly focused on the unknown specimen brings excitement to the both of us.  Sharing my passion with my baby girl is something I plan on doing my entire life. That is, IF she actually likes fishing when she gets older. Of course, it is my hope that she does. If not, I’ll support her in whatever passions she pursues.  In the meantime, I’ll enjoy watching her young eyes gazing out over the water with excitement and joy as I bring fish to hand, the warmth of her body next to mine, and the love I have for her.

Breakin out my grandpa's 7wt Fenwick fiberglass rod.

Halftime milk break

Enjoy the little video edit below I did of our latest fishing adventure.