Chasing "Mr. Whiskers" (Part II)

[Gr8ful Fish]

My son, Adam, begged me to promise that we could try Turkey Swamp again as soon as possible as he was serious about checking the channel cat off of his "buket list." In fact, as I put him to bed on Monday night, his last words as he drifted off to sleep were mutterings about catching a channel catfish bigger than his sister's by switching to some heavier tackle.

As soon as I walked in the door on Tues. after a long commute and a long day of work, Adam met me at the door saying "it's not raining, can we go try to catch a channel cat?" Although I was exhausted & we only had about an hour before dark, I told him "you get your boots and I'll get the gear."

This time, instead of bringing his Pirates of the Caribbean kid's rod/reel combo spooled with 6# mono, I brought a pair of my light action spinning oputfits that were spooled with 20# braided line, and I also brought along a large landing net to make it easier to get the fish on the bank. Once again, chunks of hot dogs were our bait of choice.

We set up in the exact same spot as the previous evening, and it didn't take long for Adam to score on another slab bluegill that we quickly released. A short while later, one of the rods was slammed, and Adam went to work on a fish that I knew was a catfish by the way it was rolling back and forth as he fought it. When he got the fish on bank, I thought he was going to jump out of his skin from the excitement.

After getting a few photos, we released the 13-14 incher, and we went back to fishing; it didn't take long before Adam got another great strike. I could tell as soon as he set the hook that this one was considerably bigger than the previous one. Adam expertly played the fish to the bank where I scooped it into the net. This fish was so fat, it's belly looked like it had a softball inside. Once again, we photo'd the fish before its release, and you could see that Adam was bursting with a sense of pride and accomplishment ... especially when a couple of older kids and an adult stopped by to admire his catch during our photo session. He had finally bested his "big boy" cat.

With daylight fading fast, we fished for a few more minutes, and Adam set the hook on another bite. Just like on the previous day, this "fish" came in as dead weight. When it got near shore, I saw a bunch of bubbles escaping to the surface; I knew right away that he had another snapping turtle.

This time armed with braided line and a landing net, I figured we had a chance to get it on the bank. However, when I tried to net the monster, he wouldn't fit in the net. This friggin thing was ENORMOUS ... it looked like the turtle creature that fought Godzilla when I was kid. I used the net to "steer" him onto the bank, but he instantly became a very agitated and pizzed-off critter. Luckily, the hook fell out of his mouth as he was struggling on shore. I tried to get a photo, but by the time, I got my camera and the flash went off, he was already heading back into the drink.

We packed up our stuff as the park was getting ready to close, and before we even left the parking lot, Adam was calling his Mom to tell her the great news of his success on the catfish and the turtle. Listening to the excitement in his voice was truly one of those rare gifts that only a parent will ever get to experience; and it made me realize once again just how blessed I am to have a child that shares my passions and hobbies. I hope that his love of the outdoors continues, and I look forward to a lifetime of similar Father/Son experiences in the future.

- Gr8ful


Adam's 1st Ever Channel Cat



Adam's "Big Boy" Channel Cat

[Gr8ful Fish]

More Catfish Pics:




ENORMOUS Snapping Turtle Laving A Wake As He heads Back Into the Drink:


- Gr8ful

[hartattack]

What a heart-warming story + photos !! I have great memories of taking my son & daughter to Turkey Swamp where they battled the same snapping turtle that you guys tangled with.

If you or Adam want to wrassle some HUGE channel cats, checkout Molder's on Rte 527 North in old Bridge. They charge admission, but all fish except trout are catch & release.

Also, your young sharpies are priceless !! Enjoy the memories, they grow up too quick !! It won't be long before they're taking you on excursions - - last year on my birthday, my oldest treated me to Furthur at Coney Island (after we fished all day on the RFA Fishermen Fluk-a-thon).

May the four winds bring you safely home !

[giantfan]

Well done Gr8ful.... I'm sure they will continue to love the outdoors as much as you do. Your doing a great job Brother!

[The Hunter]

Awesome to see another dad making his kids a priority

Memories to last a lifetime!!!

[AndyS]

Some nice big catfish !!

[jmurr711]

Awesome! But Why Did Ya Let That Hard Shelled Beef Go????????????

[skippy]

That is great!!! I love taking my kids fishing and watching them catch fish. I get more joy watching them catch fish, then i do catching them myself.

[Gr8ful Fish]

Originally Posted by hartattack

What a heart-warming story + photos !! I have great memories of taking my son & daughter to Turkey Swamp where they battled the same snapping turtle that you guys tangled with.

It makes me proud to know that my kids and I are now "carrying the torch" & keeping this tradition alive.

Originally Posted by hartattack

Also, your young sharpies are priceless !! Enjoy the memories, they grow up too quick !! It won't be long before they're taking you on excursions - - last year on my birthday, my oldest treated me to Furthur at Coney Island (after we fished all day on the RFA Fishermen Fluk-a-thon).

What an awesome story ... you are extemely lucky to have that kind of bond with your children and to be able to share the same passions & music.

Are you going to Holmdel or Philly for the Furthu shows on 7/23 & 7/24 this Summer? If so, I would love to hook-up with you before the show for a couple of adult beverages!

- Gr8ful

[hartattack]

Originally Posted by Gr8ful Fish

. . . . Are you going to Holmdel or Philly for the Furthu shows on 7/23 & 7/24 this Summer? . . .

Unfortunately no, gonna be at my daughter's dance competion that week - oh joy Will also be missing the RFA fluk-a-thon on the Voyager on the 22nd last year's pic below
Good news though - the competion is in Cape May this year, so you'll know where I'll be