Hello Minnesota Bound,
On Saturday May 30, 2009 my youngest daughter Baylee who is 7 years old and I took a trip down to the Minnesota River along Blackdog road for a day of fishing. We were fishing from the shore under the 35W bridge and not having much luck. We packed up and moved to the south side of the river and picked a spot on a little sandy beach and fished in one of the outlets that lead to and from the river. After a few casts and nothing taking what I had to offer I set up my daughters new rod and reel (a present for catching her first fish on Memorial Day) a Zebco combo setup with a 4lb test line. I put the bait on the hook...Cheese of all things, and after about 5 minutes her pole was yanked from the resting stake and was getting dragged into the water. I dove for the rod and reel and told her to come get her pole that she had a fish on. As soon as she grabbed it the fish started to take off and my daughters eyes were as big as saucers. I could tell she was scared and excited at the same time. She said she did not want to get pulled in. I told her she was ok and that all she had to do was listen to me, “hold the tip up in the air, when I tell you to, reel in a couple time and take a step back, let the fish do the work and tire itself out”, “ok Daddy.”   I have to tell you she listened and was completely focused. After about 10 minutes she landed this monster.  A 26” 7lb catfish. She was not scared to hold it as you can see.  We released it and then tossed out another line and about 5 minutes later she caught another one. This time she handled herself like she had been fishing for years and not days. This one was 15” long and about 3 lbs. We again released it and continued the day fishing and talking with other fishermen who were there to see this little 7 year old girl, My pride and joy catch the biggest fish of the day.

Thank you so much for letting me share this very special day with you and all who enjoy the outdoors.

Sincerely,
Daniel A. Hamilton