Max's First Fishing Derby

This past Saturday morning, at the crack of dawn, okay only 7:30, we went to Max's First Fishing Derby. It is an annual derby sponsored by the Snoqualmie Police Department and Mt. Si Fish and Game. The fishing ponds are actually just retenion ponds behind the police department building. The Mt. Si Fish and Game stocked them with 300 fish for the event and baited them with power bait. It was like shooting ducks in a barrel.

We started out with some old bait that daddy had and a little unsure of the rules and fishing laws that would apply. Appearently, there weren't any. Max was super excited to be there and did great after daddy casted out for him. He listened to daddy and reeled in nice and slow and repeated the process a few times to no avail. Meanwhile the little girls next to us had a little help.

 He was a champ. Patient and slow.

After several attempts to catch something and coming up blank, this nice man from the Mt. Si Fish and Game group came over and outfitted us with the right hook and the right bait. It was on after that! Daddy cast and tried to give the pole to Max. He wouldn't take it, so I grabbed the pole and caught the first fish. Max was excited but by then had lost interest. I reeled it in and then he got back in the game.

 Daddy removing the hook and Max telling the fish, "nice to meet you!"

 First fish contact. No fear! Except when the fish flipped up and smacked him. Daddy took care of it though.

 One happy little fisherman.

 With mommy reeling in the 2nd fish.

Kissing the fish for good luck.

Max did great! He had a good time and went back after his nap with daddy and caught 3 more. He even reeled one in, all by himself. Daddy also got the chance to pay it forward and help out another dad by fixing him up with the right bait and hooks. Then he helped them catch their first fish. All in all it was an awesome day!

I want to thank Marv and Joyce Branch for giving Max his first fishing pole before he was even born. Marv, you now have a new fishing buddy!