Although sibling rivalry happens in all families, two boys close in age can be an especially difficult combination. Fortunately, they also can be an excellent combination. Today on my boat I had two young men ages 13 and 14. Not wanting to name my customers I will call the oldest boy Nathan and the younger boy Todd. Nathan was tall and very athletic with a sparkling personality. Todd was the opposite of his brother. He was not as tall, a little overweight and shy. When I asked the Nathan what his hobbies were he proudly told me of all his accomplishments in sports. He is a baseball and track star. When I asked Todd what his hobbies were he proudly told me�� Just fishing�

Today was just one of those days when hybrid fishing was SLOW.
I could mark fish on the sonar and drop a fluke right down there in front of the fish and they still wouldn�t take it. After fishing for 4 hours Nathan caught 9 out of the 12 fish (his dad caught the other 3) leaving Todd with �zero fish�. I watched Todd�s face as Nathan brought in all the fish as he just stared at his rod, waiting for that bite. While Nathan kept reminding Todd that he was always the better fisherman.

Todd never caught a fish all afternoon but missed several bites.

At 5:26pm I told my customers that we had about 5 minutes left before we had to reel up and go clean fish. I could see how let down Todd was but, I had tried everything I could to put him on fish. I walked over to him and said, Hey, drop your fluke all the way to the bottom and reel up one turn and maybe you can catch a catfish. He did and less than ten seconds later I saw Todd�s rod tip touch the water and he started yelling �I GOT ONE, I GOT ONE�" The fish was pulling out major drag. I coached him into letting the fish wear out and after a ten minute BATTLE the fish finally surfaced and when he saw that it was a huge blue cat with a head the size of a license plate he just started yelling and was all smiles. As we all looked at this beautiful beast of a fish i noticed Nathan pat his brother on the back and said " Awesome fish bro"

Todd had caught his new personal best, a 50lb Blue Catfish.

When I saw his face and his mother crying I had to fight back the tears. This young man had caught a fish of a lifetime, a story he can share with his friends and family forever.

I am so thankful I got share in this memory with him.

Tight Lines...........


(sorry no pics..but this wasn't about the fish)

It's tough being a parent much less trying to be a good parent. Nice story.

I saw and responded to your post in the Lady Angler Section. Again Great Trip. I hope a lot of Anglers read this. Super job!

Teri you made my evening with that one

That is really nice. Thanks for sharing.

Great story! I always cheer for the underdog and he came out smell'n like a rose!!

Very nice story.

God is good!

Awesome Story !

Thanks for sharing ..

Now that make s grown man well up right there! Good for Todd! That is a great story and I appreciate you sharing. Just goes to show - we all need to get out there and take kids fishing. You never know when you will be apart of some kids memories!

Again, thanks so much for sharing!

Great story, thanks! A 50 lb fish is a fish of a lifetime for grown ups but for a deserving kid, thats just awesome! You did GOOD Ms Salsa!!!

Great job picking out the boys name too

One Word! "OUTSTANDING"!





You Ms. Salsa are a GREAT EXAMPLE of a true angler! Congratulations to both you and the young boy on a simply OUTSTANDING job!

Great inspirational story. Making the world a better place, which is the best that any of us can do.

Awesome story....thank you for sharing!

Props to you sir.Great story.Thanks for sharing.I`m sure Todd felt a littlebit taller after that catch.