Youth Angler Award and Trout Slam 2023

[basshappy]

Over our Christmas break while my boy and I were enjoying snow in Ohio, some mail arrived back home here in Georgia for him. For 2023 my boy earned 10 Youth Angler Awards and the Trout Slam. He really likes the decal he received for his Trout Slam. We traveled all over the state of Georgia in pursuit of a variety of species found only in certain regions. He didn't land all the species he targeted, but he sure gave his best effort. Bird nests galore, lost lures, insects, predators, hot, cold you name it we enjoyed / endured it. I spend more time watching him fish now that fishing myself. I love being with him and our adventures. It will change all too soon I am keenly aware, but I am gonna bask in it every opportunity I get until those times come.

The Youth Angler program Georgia has is an awesome opportunity for kids to get outside away from electronics and spend time doing one of the oldest pastimes there is. Check it out for the little ones in your life. Tight lines!

 

[fredw]

Congratulations to your son! My grandkids enjoyed participating in the program too.

He might enjoy chasing the Georgia Bass Slam as well. https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources/GeorgiaBassSlam

 

[basshappy]

Congratulations to your son! My grandkids enjoyed participating in the program too.

He might enjoy chasing the Georgia Bass Slam as well. https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources/GeorgiaBassSlam

Thank you! Oh yeah he went after it, but I think he landed only 4 species this year. He got skunked in SE and E GA for two species located in those areas. I am sure he will be targeting it again in 2024.

 

[basshappy]

Some pics from 2023 in pursuit of various species.

 

[trad bow]

Excellent

 

[basshappy]

Some pics from his 2023 angler award pursuit.

 

[basshappy]

More pics from traveling around GA.

Definitely spent time off the water checking out parks, playgrounds, etc.


Biggest fish landed at a kid rodeo was this channel cat.


GO FISH Education Center is worth the trip to visit. Loads of informative displays and Charlie Elliot's old fishing lure collection is awesome.

 

[Mexican Squealer]

Keep up the good work Dad!

 

[basshappy]

Some Huck Finn type of platform he found down on the river.


My nephew came down to visit with us for a few days. Enjoyed having my boy untangle his snags.


Sittin' around taking naps or chatting about whatever made up a portion of most adventures.

 

[basshappy]

 

[antharper]

Good times !

 

[basshappy]

Some beautiful scenery in 2023 we basked in while fishing.


My boy's best friend who is getting into fishing. I am proud watching my boy help others fish - be it knot tying, lure selection, presentation, whatever. I hope he continues to do for others.




One morning on his way to a Kids Fishing tournament.


Gots to get some exercising in for battlin' the big fish! Ha!


Life is a highway ...

 

[basshappy]

Workin' a bass off the bank.


Doubled up - biggest fish and heaviest weight 5 fish.


Many EARLY mornings we spent together.


I decided to teach my boy how to drive because many of our adventures are away from assistance and without cellular signal. Over the course of this Summer he spent time behind the wheel so he can get to safety / civilization if something happens to me.


Van life ain't bad.


A first - landed a rock!

 

[1eyefishing]

"Nothing you do for your children is ever wasted."
And...
"If you take your kid fishing, you'll never have to go fishing for your kid."
Good work dad.

 

[basshappy]

We.love fishing creeks and streams.


Getting around to fish Georgia we have been able to see all sorts places, animals, people, etc.


My boy trolling for bass - sadly I did this and chipped a tooth in half when a smallie hit like a tank.


So many species of black bass in our state.


Enjoying a snack in the shade.


Van life.

 

[specialk]

Ive been by the go fish place but never stopped...going to now...

 

[basshappy]

Ive been by the go fish place but never stopped...going to now...

We have stopped in a couple times now after our first visit. The aquarium displays are really well done. The hatchery has sturgeon, I think walleye, and the bass breeder pool is fun if you have 2 people because they turn to face whomever approaches and there are two windows.

 

[Geffellz18]

Very cool-Good on you for creating these opportunities for your son. Memories that will last forever.
Appreciate you taking us along too-Neat to see!

 

[wvdawg]

Awesome! Way to go!

 

[basshappy]

He said "Papa I wonder what's in there?"


Some dark colored fish in that black water!


This Warmouth earned him an angler award.


Retrieving a snagged lure. And often retrieving lures lost by other anglers!