This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality by the H&H team.
Real-Family Spotlight
Two Little Boys, Two Giant Paddlefish
A handful of years ago, late spring or early summer, my brother took his sons, Drake and Cole, shore fishing on the Wagoner County side of the river, just below Fort Gibson Dam in Oklahoma. The paddlefish were stacked in the tailrace, rolling and feeding heavily.
Most grown men would have been thrilled to hook one. These two kids snagged and landed one each!
From the bank, with kid-sized spinning rods and treble-hooks, Drake and Cole both set the hook, fought them in the current, and dragged them up onto the rocks. When it was over, each boy had a spoonbill basically as long as he was tall slung over his shoulder like a muddy gray prize. My brother snapped the now-famous photo: just the two boys, grinning ear to ear, hugging their fish like they’d done it a hundred times before. No adults in the frame…just proof that sometimes the smallest anglers get the biggest rewards.
I wasn’t there that day; I was living in China and have been overseas ever since. That picture (and the stories that came with it) is why I eventually wrote and illustrated a little 25-page book for them called The Bear Brothers: Drake and Cole Go Fishing. But on this page, we’re here for the fishing…and that morning below Fort Gibson Dam is still one of the best examples I’ve ever seen of pure, kid-sized paddlefish magic on a snag hook.
If you’re headed to the tailrace this season, keep an eye out for the next generation of anglers working the rocks. Some days, the little guys flat-out show us how it’s done.
Discover more about the “Paddlefish” brothers on our blog post here!
Getting Started With Fishing
Fishing is equal parts relaxation and excitement. With a simple rod, a few hooks, and bait, you can get started at your local pond, river, or beach. From quiet mornings on a lake to deep-sea adventures, fishing offers something for everyone.
Essential Fishing Skills and Tips
- Know your gear: rod, reel, line, and tackle suited for your location.
- Bait & lures: worms, minnows, flies, or artificial lures depending on the fish.
- Patience is key: sometimes the best catch is simply enjoying the wait.
- Learn the waters: research local species and seasons.
Great Places to Fish
- Freshwater: rivers, lakes and streams for bass, trout, or catfish.
- Saltwater: piers, beaches, and deep-sea trips for larger catches.
- Fly fishing: streams and rivers in mountain regions.
- Noodling (catching catfish with bare hands): lakes and ponds mostly. Rivers could be too dangerous.
Safety First
- Wear a life jacket near boats or strong currents.
- Handle hooks and knives carefully.
- Check local regulations for licenses and catch limits.
Resources and Downloads
- Beginner’s Tackle Box Guide
- Fishing Knot Diagram PDF
- Species Log Sheet (track what you catch and where)
Fishing isn’t only about what you catch…it’s about slowing down, enjoying nature, and making memories. Every cast has the chance to be “the big one“, but even when the fish don’t bite, you’re still winning time outdoors.