Teach a Boy to Fish

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime
-Chinese Proverb

I am very lucky to live in the great state of Colorado.  I know, I sometimes complain that I live on a small suburban lot outside of Denver, but weekends like this one remind me of the beautiful playground that is literally at my fingertips.  One of my favorite towns in Colorado is Buena Vista.  It is located two hours southwest of my home and is a favorite fishing spot for my family.  It is actually the same spot I traveled to as a teenager that engrained the need in this girl to make a life in Colorado….also marrying a fourth generation Colorado native helped the process.
My husband and I promised each other that if we were going raise two boys, that we would do our best to teach them skills that would help them survive and thrive in this world.  Kindness, the value of hard work, strength in themselves and their faith are some of the most important, but also key tools on how to survive in the wilderness.  Fishing, hunting, camping, and wilderness survival also make it to the top of our teaching lists.  Big C is still a little young to start hunting, although he is a mean shot on the pellet gun, we have been working with him the past couple years on fishing.

Big C can not get enough of fishing.  You will find him and Mr. G sneaking away at least twice a month to their favorite fishing hole for some quality guy time.  I was lucky enough this weekend to see the progress he has made over the past couple of months.  I was so proud to see my 5 yr. old be able to bait his hook, cast his line, and show the patience to wait for the first bite.  It was actually hilarious as my boys tried to figure out should they cast out with a lure or drop a line with some salmon eggs.  The art of the hunt is always amazing to watch through a little boys eyes.  No matter if it is a mountain trout or the largest elk….there is still the thrill of the hunt.

Big C’s tackle box on the left and Mr. G’s on the right.

We were lucky that the fish were really biting this weekend.  It was such a thrill to watch the poles bend and the boys yell “Fish On!”

The mountain trout definitely liked the salmon eggs the best…sorry worms, I believe they have a distinguished palate.


Big C caught 2-14 inch trout, 1-9 inch, 1-8 inch, and two that needed a little more time to grow so we threw them back in.  Don’t worry we will be back!  Big C promised me a trout for Mother’s Day and he delivered.


I know that some people think that fishing is boring…..but good things come to those who wait.  I love that Big C enjoys it and there is nothing better for this Mom then to watch her boy enjoying time in the wilderness.  Plus, he caught me a mighty fine meal that will be on our plates tonight.

As always, thanks for stopping by Throwback Road!  Time for me to start planning out my trout dinner.  Have a great day.