(Part one, understanding the problem)

Growing up as a youth, I can remember when fishing seemed so much different then it is today. For example.

We didn't have the luxuries of technical gadgets such as, high resolution graphs and reels with multivariable

speeds. We now, also have lures with paint jobs that out shine our cars and boats that run faster then superman.

Our lives as fishermen in the old days, was rather simple. Instinct and gut feeling, would many times spell the

difference between a great day and one when you were skunked.

Of the many thrills for me growing up as a child, were the stories my grandpa would tell of fishing trips he

had taken in the past. I must have heard every one of them a hundred times. Each time the fish would get bigger,

or the Malay of events would get more exaggerated. However, the center of focus of those stories, always

included family, friends and children.

A lot of the reason I have a love for the sport of fishing today, I owe directly to him.

He was also instrumental in shaping the philosophy and values that I live by.

In the modern world of fishing, things have changed. I wouldn't necessarily consider these changes as being for

the best.

Fishing has become, for so many youths, an unfamiliarity. Evidence of this can be witnessed when fishing

any lake, on any given day. What used to be laid back, relaxing and almost always included kids, has now

become commercialized, "Corporate America."

The most familiar sight you might see on our lakes today, (other than those jet skis, which can be as much a

nuisance as a swarm of thirsty mosquitoes), is a couple of buddies pounding the banks in competition against

other teams for the top prize money.

Now, I'm not saying that competition is wrong, or bad. But, for every one of these competitors I see, I believe

there's a child left back at home who would love to be with his, or her parent. You could look at it as,

manufacturers of boats, fishing tackle and accessories have been so busy promoting a sale of their equipment,

they've drawn the attention of adults away from their children.

Take a look at some of the commercials that air during the weekend fishing shows.

They glamorize two men fishing, while the wife of one of them has an airplane fly a banner across the sky with

a plea for her husband to return home.

In another, that's been out a couple of years, you see a distraught girlfriend complain about her boyfriend

spending so much time fishing in his Skeeter boat, that she can't wait for him to return home so she can

introduce him to her new boyfriend, Bob.

The message that these commercials give, may be interpreted in several ways. First, to some, you may find

them humorous. Second, you now believe that the wife you left at home, isn't worth cutting your fishing trip

short. Finally, since we never see children in the commercials, it can be assume that they're not ever

included, or a part of fishing.

All to often, manufacturers portray fishing as an adult, male only sport.

I must say, their sales tactics have worked. You do not see the kind of youth and female involvement that there

once was. Its' my belief that we're heading in the wrong direction, if we wish to continue such outdoor

recreation activities.

As far as children go, there are some companies that recognize the need to bring more children into fishing

and it shows through their commercials. They realize that children are the future of the sport and place emphasis

on their participation. I tip my hat off to these companies and wish more of them would recognize the need for

youth involvement.

I always try to include my children on as many trips to the lake with me as I can. As a reward to my efforts of

involving them in such a sport, they look forward to the next trip and spending time with me.

Being a responsible parent, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Those stories that my grandpa had shared with me, have now been past on to my kids.

The impact that they've had on them, is no less then what they had on me.

Proof of that occurred recently as we loaded the boat for a day at the lake. My two children, with grins stretching

from ear to ear, were courteously arguing who got to wear the neon colored lifejacket, when my son

paused, looked up at me and said. "Hey dad!" "You remember when_"