First fishing trip

Continued from page 1 outfitted with fishing gear for a day on the water to finally explain what was on deck.

“The look on their faces was priceless,” Bledsoe said.

While on the water, Bledsoe’s daughters each caught several speckled trout while using live croaker.

“It was a really neat experience to show them all the different aspects about fishing in saltwater,” Bledsoe said. “From baiting the hook to working the bait in order to coax a fish to strike, they enjoyed it all. It was night-and-day from what they were used to in terms of a fishing trip. There’s a huge difference between the bass and panfish they are used to catching in the Hill Country and the solid trout they caught.”

The Bledsoe girls landed plenty of trout in the 17- to 23-inch range, along with some smaller ones.

“It was a trip we will all never forget, and an experience that I am grateful I was able to provide for my daughters,” Bledsoe said. “As many of us know, life with young kids can get pretty hectic. Between trying to work and other obligations, it’s easy to overlook the little things. This trip was a great reminder of how important it is to be present in the moment, and to take advantage of every opportunity to make memories with our kids in the outdoors. I am thankful for good friends who helped make that happen.”

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