A Father Knows Best

Every now and then, the rivers rise, fish pour in, and nobody can go fishing when the waters are hot on the Alley. I know that sounds bad, but that is called life for many people in today's hustle and bustle of society.

Yesterday was just such a day. I knew the conditions were going to dial in, so I started the task of calling my regular clients to let them know that conditions would be great. After exhausting all my possible leads and not finding a single soul that could break away for the day, it was time for a father to make a call.

I have children as many of us fly fishers do and just like many other fathers, I too would love to pass my passion for this sport on to them. That being the case, there was only one thing left to do. With trumpet fanfare, I announced to my two oldest children (ages 10 & 12) that they would not be going to school tomorrow. That statement was met with a bit of confusion that quickly turned to excitement when I told them what the plans were for the following day. I'm not sure why such excitement...but I suspect it had something to do with no school and fishing with Dad.... :) In that moment, one thing was certain...there was no arguing but only an attitude of father knows best!

Knowing that they were pulling very solid grades, I wasn't really worried about them missing some school for time with Dad. My daughter had been out a handful of times with me and hooked up on some fish, but that first piece of steel had continued to elude her instead leaving her only with lessons learned. With that being the case, the first and most important order of business for our time together was to get my girl a fish!

It wasn't long after hitting the water that all of her fortune changed. With the skill of a seasoned angler, she made a cast exactly where I told her the fish would be holding and the rest she handled with a very cool hand. Moments later, this Dad got to share in a memory he will cherish for a lifetime!

Patrick Robinson holds his daughters

first Steelhead on the fly.

She is a real fly gal and wanted to pose holding her own fish!

Another pose that she really likes and will likely share

with all of those near and dear to her.

And yes, every first Steelhead deserves a

kiss...especially from a pretty girl!

This is what it is all about really. Spreading the love of the sport to those coming behind us is part of the tradition of this great land!

If you have children, there are still many great days of fishing to be had this fall. Make sure to take the opportunity to get your kids out for some memory making. Trust me when I say that you won't regret it.

See you on the water!

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters