Like many posts on this thread, mine is more about the story and circumstances than the size of the fish. I have two young kids, neither of whom have shown much interest in fishing. I have made the conscious decision to let them come to it of their own accord, rather than have me drag them to it. We have enjoyed some great days with light tackle and lots of pinks along the beaches of Howe sound but I've been reluctant to take them out for trolling for springs. I haven't wanted to turn them off with long periods of inactivity and/or choppy waters.
One night this past July was favourable for a short outing. I planned for a trip of only two hours with my wife and kids. I resolved to fish only as long as they liked and were comfortable. There had been the odd spring taken in previous days, but mindful we might only be out for a short trip and that there were some cohos and early pinks around, I didn't bother with bait and just ran a couple of spoons and a hot pink hootchie with glow stripe. Ran all the gear in the top 50'.
Over the two hours we had a few popoffs and undersize, but nothing but a nice night on the water to show for it. The witching hour was approaching for the kids, so I began pulling gear. I had two of three rods in and was reaching for the third (the one with the hootchie) when it popped. After a tremendous fight with everyone taking a turn on the rod we boated this nice plump 20 lber. Not a monster by any stretch, but a lovely fish.
The evening couldn't have worked out better. The look on my daughter's face says it all.
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