Okay, so indulge me here…I just have to be a proud papa here for a minute. Coop, who’s coming up on his third birthday, got out fishing with dad the other morning on the American River and caught his very fish (non-handed off)…an American shad.
Though we had some break-off issues with the Snoopy outfit and its worthless pre-spooled line earlier, The Kid managed to land this fish…and then thoughtfully released it.
For dad, it just doesn’t get any better…
greg says
thats bad ass
Rudy says
Sometimes the first fish creates fishaholic monsters. Just look in the mirror.
Rudy
Steve Adams says
Awesome! I look forward to taking my boys real soon. I hear the shad are a great fight.
Steve
James L. Cooper says
Dear JD, After 30 years in the union as a Air Conditioning technition, The last 19 years with one company.I was layed off! I Got to tell ya, I am a little burnt out! I Could care less if I don’t ever see another HVAC product in my life! I bought a North River a couple of years ago and have been fishing alot due to out of work, mostly New Melones and Lake Pardee, in the Motherlode! Yesterday I entered a derby at lake Pardee put on by CIFF. That was a kick ass time. We were 5th place in the trout division. I would much rather make a living doing something I want to do Instead of something I have to do, no what I mean? My wife tells me I am alot more happy these days! Any advise? Thanks, Jim KP Member
JD says
Hey Jim,
Sorry to hear about you getting laid off…man, tough times right now! As far as making a living doing something you love, I assume you’re considering the guiding route.
Well, here’s my two cents worth on that subject:
Your wife is on to something — do what makes you happy…that’s pretty much what mine said when I dropped the little “honey, I think I’m going to become a guide” on her back in 1997. Well, what I can tell ya is it is the greatest job in the world…I mean, damn, you get to get out there and be on the water every day. How cool is that, right?
However, there are some wake-up calls that every new guide gets, too. In most cases (myself included), you find out really quickly that you don’t know nearly as much as you thought you did about catching fish when you have to do it every day, under pressure and under all conditions. Before I was a guide, we’d quit fishing when the wind kicked up or the river got muddy or whatever….but you can’t do that when you’ve got 4 paying clients in your boat.
Dealing with the public can be a bit of a test some days, too. If you get a personality or two on the boat that doesn’t mesh with yours (it’s guaranteed to happen), it can make for a loooong day.
The other thing to consider is that, despite what most people think, you don’t actually get to do any fishing when you’re guiding. It really does change your outlook on the sport. When I was busy running 2 salmon trips a day, seven days a week for 30-40 days straight, the last thing I wanted to do when I had a day off was get near a boat!
With the economy being super suckalitious right now and fishing in many areas kinda on the same track, starting a guide business at the moment is a tough road. However, if you dedicate yourself and have passion for it, you’ll be fine. And again, it’s still one of the coolest jobs you can have!
My best advice to new guides is this:
Remember it’s what you do between the bites that makes or breaks you.
I’ll leave you with that one to digest. Good luck with whatever path you decide to take and please let me know if I can help you out if try the guiding thing.