fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Over the recent Christmas Holidays, and many days elsewise, I am privileged to assist my wife in providing daycare and overnight stays for 2 of our local grand daughters. The youngest, at just over one year old now, is rapidly learning to speak and I enjoy giving her "walking tours" to view our fishing related home decor.

About 20 years ago, having moved farther "up" into Northern Michigan, my wife said "I've had enough of pastel and roses for house accents. Why don't you take over with decorating and make our home feel like a rustic lodge". You can imagine my surprise and giddy delight when given the nod to set out on that task. In short order, I think I had things whipped into shape fairly well....and much to her grinning approval!

So, as I walk from object to artwork with the youngest grand daughter, I gently point at the feature and whisper "fish" to her. She replies back with a gleam in her eyes, a broad smile and the return utterance of "ish". It melts my heart! Most recently she has begun to also get the "F", so it has become "fish".

Between Maeve and her 4 year old sister, we spend many an hour playing make believe fishing games using the full extent of our imaginations. There are adventures that involve canoes, kayaks, small craft and larger charter boats...all in the form of toys that we still have on hand from having raised our own family.

To all those among us that are blessed to spend time with young children, I hope that you are able to glean the pinnacle of joy and memories as they mature and advance to the point where they can enjoy the fishing experience in a real world environment!

Have an awesome 2023 in all that you do and apply yourself to accomplish!

Many of our imaginary voyages and adventures involve simple Lego brand building bricks. Here we have the mini trawler, always ready to cast off and bring in a load of fresh fish. Once back to the "pretend" docks we "sell" them to customers.


A ceramic lake trout replica greets the kids near the front door. We engage in numerous make believe conversations about taking a boat out, jigging thru the ice, or casting from shore to ply the waters.


I am looking forward to the day when we can get out to learn and experience fishing in a first hand way. Starting out with bait under a bobber always works well. Later on we can add additional methods such as fly casting, spincasting, etc.


One of our favorite stops comes as we head downstairs to a large play area. Enroute, this whitefish scene catches the attention of the little ones. The small trailing fish, which hangs on a pivot nail, get's a flick of the tail to make it wiggle.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Very cool, thanks for sharing!

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

You most definitely are one blessed man fishyaker. You have made some Personal Best catches there it appears.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

That sounds like so much fun. Love the little ones and happy you've decorated to your hearts content!

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

That’s fantastic FY, still no grandkids of my own but looking forward to the day when I’m able to instill the values that you are currently. So satisfying to see the new world through a young child’s eyes.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you OJ! I've had this little story on my mind for a few weeks and figured it would be a fun one to post as the new year gets started. I have enjoyed so many stories of others on the site sharing their own fishing experiences with youngsters!

We also have 2 grand boys that live near Chicago, so we do not see them as often as the girls. Nevertheless, we have definitely been able to spend some time with them on the water. The attached photo has been posted from my personal archives before, but since it fits the story I'm adding it again. Those boys are now approaching 3 and 5 years old, and they are both going to be a blast to fish with...I can just feel it!

I remember from the days of my youth that whenever a "grown up" paid any attention to us, it was a really big deal. We can never underestimate how much it means to a child to engage in their lives like we all do, and I see that "sentiment" echoed all over the Stage.

"So Papa...I just turn the handle like this...and I will catch a fish!?" And catch fish we did...a 2 gallon bucket full of bluegills!

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Very nice

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Plumb! I thank God everyday for the family, friends and associates that have surrounded me all thru my life as a source of positive attitudes and influence.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Kandydisbar! Definitely a ton of fun! Seeing life thru the eyes of a child is always a fresh revelation. I always enjoyed the taste and style of my wife's decorating ideas, but frankly, was shocked when she turned the design helm over to me. Now our house is like a giant "mancave"...and she approves 100%!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you BK! Your day's of grandparenting lie ahead, and I know from your postings that you will be a magnificent one! We all have lot's to share...and the next generation is a great place to start!

davedumont Loc: Oscoda, Michigan

Great story fishyaker! I have 3 grand daughters that I am blessed to be able to watch twice a week on average. I and their father hope to get them into ice fishing this year if we ever get safe ice. Lol. I know just how you feel. Grandkids are wonderful.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Good post FY. Take advantage of EVERY opportunity you have to spend time with them. You'll NEVER regret it.
I still love to spend time with my Granddaughter and she is comin up on her 17th birthday in March.
Actually, she even still enjoys spendin time with me.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Gotta tell ya FY, that watercolor of the girl fly fishing is pretty cool.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Too cute!!!

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

That's his wife Brad.