If fishing was something you and your husband did together before having kids, or if it’s something you’ve always wanted to get into, now’s the time to get into it!
Fishing Together Is An Easy, Low-Key Activity
For Reconnecting After Empty Nesting!
Fishing was one of the activities that my husband, Pete, and I did together when we first started dating back in high school. We went camping, with his family, up in the mountains where we fished in the rivers and streams, and also fished in many of the lakes near our hometown.
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Our first fishing date was on a beautiful lake in Deception Pass State Park called Cranberry Lake.
On that sunny day (my prerequisite for fishing!), Pete took me out in his dad’s little rowboat. We packed up all our gear, along with some snacks, and headed out for a great day.
Pete is a really good teacher—he explained everything to me, why he does this, why he doesn’t do that…
He did such a great job teaching me all the basics of lake fishing. So good, in fact, that…I out-fished him!
Yep, I did.
But, of course, he claims (to this day!) that it was his great teaching AND that he hooked me up (literally) with his best lures!
I didn’t buy it.
Nope.
I out-fished him!
That’s my story and I’m stickin to it!
It may be the only time I out-fished him…but hey, it happened.
Yep, it did.
Get Hooked On Boating
Soon after we got married, we bought a powerboat, which we used for both fishing and lots of different water sports. One summer, after buying our new boat, we went water skiing every night after work!
Fast forward, we’ve had many different kinds of boats, and as Empty Nesters we finally have time to fish together again.
Yay!
Taking up new activities as Empty Nesters is a great way to reconnect and spend more quality time together. If fishing is something you’ve never done together, but have always wanted to do, I highly recommend it! Part of the fun will be learning together—about the different kinds of fishing, how to choose the right gear for each, learning fishing techniques, and discovering the best places to go.
Fishing gives you the chance to get outside for some fresh air, unplug from all the hustle and bustle, and reconnect with each other. We have some of our best conversations on the water—just the two of us (and Mother Nature).
It really is so relaxing and peaceful! You’ll love it!
Looking For A Boat?
If you want to get into fishing, first you need a boat. If you don’t have one, and need help with finding the right boat, this FREE Boat-Buying Worksheet can help you get started!
Learn The Ropes
If you’re new to this, before you launch, you’ll need to learn the ropes of beginner boating and fishing.
Visit the Boater Safety Education website to learn about courses and requirements for your area. As stated on their website, “Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Even if you’re not required to pass a boater safety course in your state or province, boater safety is everyone’s responsibility. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. An educated boater is a safer boater.”
If you want to learn more, you can spend hours scouring the Internet, or you could get a jumpstart by learning from someone with first-hand knowledge. My husband, Pete, has many years of boating and fishing experience.
A Note From Pete:
Hey, I’m Pete!
Boating has been a passion of mine since childhood!
As I got older, I continued boating with my wife, friends, extended family, and later with our kids.
Over the years, my wife and I have owned numerous boats and have had so much fun—cruising, crabbing, fishing, shrimping, water skiing, tubing, skurfing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and waverunning.
Prior to having kids, we were out on the water together a lot!
But, there came a time when boating gave way to countless hours in gymnasiums watching and coaching our kids’ year-round basketball teams, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Now we’ve come full circle, and we’re getting back on the water together!
If you need 1:1 help with your boat-buying decision, fishing, or anything else boating related, email us at lori@whenbirdiesfly.com. We’re here to help you get into fishing and get into the water…faster!
Gear Up For Fishing
Fishing Equipment/Supplies
Once you have your boat, trailer, a vehicle to tow it with, and you’ve educated yourself, it’s time to gear up for fishing!
Before heading out, grab the FREE EMPTY NESTER Fishing Equipment/Supply Checklist for items we have purchased and use, along with items we have researched and recommend. (You’ll also find the Checklist link in RESOURCES in above menu.)
Besides Amazon, following are some great places to shop for all your fishing gear, either in person or online:
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Scheels
- Walmart
Boating Gear
If you still need to equip your boat, grab this boating gear checklist.
Conclusion
Whether fishing in lakes, rivers, streams, or the ocean, it’s a great way for Empty Nesters to reconnect with each other and with nature. The water is waiting for you!
Cool😎Gear
Visit The SHOP (COMING SOON!) for Empty Nester Merch—including Boating, Crabbing, Fishing, Shrimping, Waverunning, and more—for yourselves or for gifts!
Related:
Empty Nester Boating: How To Launch A New Life Together
Empty Nester Crabbing: How To Rediscover Your Greatest Catch
Empty Nester Shrimping: Little Things To Help You Reconnect
Empty Nester Waverunning: Riding A New Wave Of Life Together
Find More Here:
YOUTUBE
Empty Nester Fishing: How To Get Hooked On Each Other Again
It’s Your Turn To Fly, Mama!
