This evening I took my 10 year old son down to one of our favorite smallmouth and blue gill holes. He caught a few gills and I managed to land a couple decent smallies which was quite typical for this spot. My son decided he wanted to try for smallies so we switched rods.He was using a 4 inch yamasenko in watermelon w/gold flecks, Texas rigged without weight. He felt a tap on the line, reeled up the little bit of slack, and set the hook like a pro. Instantly he hollered "Dad I got a big one" and tucked the butt of the rod up under his arm. After about 4 minutes of loosing line and gaining line then loosing line again he hung in there and won the battle with this nice catfish. We are from central northern Michigan so catfish are not very common. In fact this was the first any of our family has ever caught, and it was my 10 year old that managed to do it. I know it is not a giant but it is huge in my eyes. He is a true fisherman with knowledge of the sport well beyond his years, especially when it comes to bass and crappies,,, and I guess catfish. I am one proud dad. He already has 2 youth tournament wins under his belt and is just itching to fish some real tourneys. With 8 years yet before he turns 18he has plenty of time to learn more and accomplish one of his goals, to win money fishing. I think he can do it and will definitely support him all the way. Not only is he a great angler but he is a very respectable and intelligent young man. I hope you enjoy the photos.
my sons 1st
Its bear hunting time folks and I am getting ready again.
