The only thing better than having one of your best friends be a top tier saltwater guide is getting to share the boat with your 12-year-old son.
Greg Dini @flywater_expeditions has taught me and my son River a lot about catching tarpon on fly. Like always he put us in position to have quality shots.
This trip, in particular, was special for many reasons. Not only did River and I get to fish in one of our favorite tarpon spots, but River got to grab his first tarpon face, which he ended up doing several times!!!
But it was really special because spending time sharing my passion for fishing with my son is always time well spent. Has it always been easy? No. Greg and I have had him in the boat with us since he was about 6 years old.
We’ve had our share of bad father moments, tears, untimely naps, untimely poop attacks (anyone who has fly fished for tarpon knows they will undoubtedly swim to the boat when you or your child is taking care of business), lack of snacks, lack of action, broken leaders, broken rods, etc. We’ve left primo action to let him roam the beach chasing ghost crabs and lizards only to be called back over 15 min.
But, I wouldn’t trade a single moment we’ve shared for anything though. The best Father’s Day gift I can imagine is having a son & daughter that grow up knowing how much I love them, and the memories we have been blessed to create with great friends like Greg.
Article by Glendon Paulk.
