Family fishing trip

[Group W Bench]

We just got back from one of the finest fishing trips that I have ever experienced in my life, and we didn't do that much catching either. My wife and I loaded up our 7 and 5 year old boys and dog in the van, hooked up our craptacular little camper and headed up to Cherokee National Forest in TN to do some trout fishing. It made me realize how blessed we are as a family to have two happy and healthy little boys, albeit all boy.

Arriving at Webb Brother's on the Hiwassee River in TN.


Fixing to scout the river by bike for the next day of fishing.


Caleb getting his 6 weight ready. Here is a tip for anyone stream fishing with kids. Although they make kid's waders, they are downright dangerous. If a kid loses his footing and water fills the top of his waders, he may not be able to get up. We put Caleb in a 4 mil wetsuit with booties and a lifejacket. That way if he falls, it is no big deal.


Hitting the river with the old man


First cast of the trip

[Group W Bench]

Gabe fished with corn kernels on the bank with momma.



Plumb worn out after fishing all day.



Rented a rowboat and did some lake fishing


Learning how to row



Beautiful vistas up where there is some elevation. The highest we get is the top of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge here in Tampa Bay.

[pete]

you have a beautiful family!looks like you made some memories,when my son was little his favorite line was"hey dad,remember when we caught that fish,at that place"I always said "I remember son".great pics,thanks for sharing!

[seabob4]

Awesome pics, Eugene!!!  Your family and the backdrop!  You're a lucky man!    

[T Race]

Cool pics, Mr. Bench !!  Really, thanks for sharing, you have a nice family and I'm glad you took your time show us.

And I disagree, that craptapular camper is wicked cool.

[gran398]

Eugene, that is GREAT!!

You have a beautiful family, know you are very happy and proud

Great place to take them too, and what a super time of the year.

Cherish these years, and as you are doing, take time off to take them on family trips. Blink of an eye...they'll have their driver's license...and will get interested in....ugh...GIRLS

[seabob4]

I LIKE the camper!!  

[GoneFission]

Great pics - looks like y'all had a great time up around these parts.  The Hiwassee River meanders back and forth from Tennessee to NC, and Lake Hiwassee is the one that just gave up that 66 lb striper a couple weeks ago - that would be fun on a 6 weight!  

I've got the give the camper a thumbs up too!    

[bondobill]

GWB

Thanks for posting your trip with family.
Brought back some great memories.
Your boys are about the same age as myself and my 3 brothers were when we started going on fishing trips with our dad,never forget those days, my dad passed about 4 years ago but the memories will last forever.
Got to like your camper, looks like something my dad would of came up with back in the day.

Bill

[Group W Bench]

you have a beautiful family!looks like you made some memories,when my son was little his favorite line was"hey dad,remember when we caught that fish,at that place"I always said "I remember son".great pics,thanks for sharing!

Caleb asked me, "Dad, do you remember when you said it was ok for me to pee in my wetsuit on the Hiwassee to warm up in the morning?" Pee and fart oriented stuff sure is intriguing and funny to a 7 year old. Who am I kidding, that stuff is still funny to me at 35.

[pete]

that is way too funny...never know what they will say next!!