Daughters First Steelhead

Hi All,
 
I decided to take a risk and take my 8 yr old daughter steelhead fishing.  I was worried it would be too cold, too rainy, creek too high, too many people, etc....well I just decided to do it, and the attached pictures are the result.  It was a perfect day.  We only stayed about 4 hours, but it was plenty enough to get the desired results.  This is something she and I will remember forever. 
 
I taught her to cast an eleven foot noodle rod (she's almost 4 ft), and to use a new type reel (spinning).  Her first two casts were about a foot from shore but the third cast was right down the center of the stream.  I explained the night before on what a drift was, and how to keep her line tight, and it was amazing how she remembered.  She was watching her float, and down it went...she set the hook and the fight was on.  She would get the Steelhead close to shore and it would run on her and she ploclaimed "It keeps taking the bobber down"!  I finally netted the fish and she was so excited.  "I can't believe I caaught this huge fish all by myself!"  I was very proud and giggling at her enthusiasm.  I hope all the fisherman around got the same charge I did.
 
Thanks to the guy next to me for being so understanding....

Thanks!  And I learned how to post pics on this site, lol.  Look out!

That is absolutely awesome!

WOW! Tex, That is worth a million bucks. Looks like you got a fish'n buddy!

The smile says it all. Great pics dad.

That second pic is classic. The battle is on!

Awesome pics.

That's one nice fish and one GIANT smile! Good for her...great for you. My boy caught his first good fish when he was 8. It was a 10lb carp at Tamarak. He still talks about that fish. He's 11 now and sets a hook like Bill Dance. He's landed numerous good fish since then, of all species, including a fat chromer...and he still talks about that carp. Good for you Dad for gettin' her out. Frame those pics.

Hey!!  Thats my secret spot!  You spot burner you!!  Awesome to see that little girl hookin' one down!!!  Great pics!

Tex,   PRICELESS...   I would of had to stop and come over to watch that battle, someone shoulda got a picture of your face as well.      Hahaha                  That is special...

nice!! she'll be hooked for life now

Great pics and story!  You should blow up the one of your daughter holding the steelie, and get a nice frame.
 
You are one very lucky man.  That is a memory for both of you for life.

Awesome Tex... I'm can't imagine how proud you are.

OP...
 
You inspire me.  My little girl is 8 as well, she ties flies with me and one day I hope to get her on the stream.

that's awesome! great pics and what a cute little girl!
good for her! she's landed more steelies than I have lol

Best thread I have seen on here in a long time. Thumbs up to you and hopefully you now have another angler for life. Memories like that will never be forgotten.