SHOOTIN' THE BREEZE

Shootin' the breeze -

Since I can remember, fishing was part of my life. I have had the privilege of fishing in many parts of Newfoundland, Seeking my favourite quarry, the Eastern Brook trout. I have spent a lifetime in pursuit of this great fish. I have fulfilled most of my angling goals in life, except one. It has been my life-long goal to pursue these great fish in Labrador.

Having never hooked any brookies larger than a pound, and the thoughts of catching one of the giants of Labrador has been a long unfulfilled dream. I've had friends tell me great stories of the huge fish they have taken over the years up in the Big Land and I have often daydreamed about how it would feel to do battle with one of these giants. Last year was my first trip to Labrador, but unfortunately I was there on work duty and unable to fish. Yet, the beautiful view I saw as I travelled to Goose Bay, was to say the least, breathtaking. I swore then and there, that Labrador was not the land God gave to Cain, but the land God blessed the earth with. Its rugged beauty, its mystique and its unique heritage makes Labrador a marvel and a wonder. I look forward to the day when I can return and fish the great waters of Labrador, and to introduce my daughters to the Big Land.

My earliest memories in life have been with a bamboo rod sinking a few worms and trying to be patient while waiting for a brookie to take my offerings. But my favourite memories of fishing have nothing to do with the large fish I hooked and got away, nor of the countless boil-ups I have enjoyed. No, they all pale in comparison to the day I introduced my two girls to the great sport of fishing. Nothing I have ever experienced in life has been as fulfilling as the day they caught their first fish. The fish (brookies) were only six inches in length, but they were enormous to them. The smiles, squeals and pride made these fish as big as Moby Dick himself. I guess all fathers have felt that moment in their own lives, and it is these precious moments in time that life makes absolute sense. These are the memories that are priceless and are the reasons why we as fathers and mothers must take our children outdoors.

I have learned very quickly to pack loads of snacks, plenty of fly "dope", and to forget my fishing rod on these adventures. When taking my girls fishing, I have learned that untangling line and putting on worms is Dad's responsibility and that my fishing must come in second or not at all. This time is theirs and we must understand these little ones have a very limited attention span. Thus, when the snacks are gone, and the bugs come out, it is time to go home. If you haven't yet had the experience of taking your child out, or if you do not have a child but have a niece or nephew, I suggest you do so. The rewards you get are out of this world! In this modern world we live in, we have a lot of competition for children's attention; from technology to drugs, and everything in between. I think it is important that little outings exist; these are the key to keep our children healthy and safe. Let them experience as we have the beauty of the wilderness and I promise that they will be hooked for life!

Ed Smith is a conservation officer with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He writes from Conception Bay South, NL.

Check Ed's outdoor network site: newfoundlandwaterfow-lers.ning.com