Fishing Buddies, Nature or Nurture

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

Are your best fishing buddies the ones that you enjoy their company and are on the same level as yourself or do you cultivate them by introducing them to the sport and educate them to the do and dont's of the sport to get them to the level that they enjoy the sport as much as you ?
I'm third generation bluegill fisherman,my Dad spent many an hour on the water teaching me the art of bluegill fishing and when in later life my skill level rivaled his we were an awesome fishing team putting fish in the boat. Those days I will treasure forever because it wasn't father and son in the boat any more it was best friends. Now I take my son and daughter and try to teach them and they are having lots of fun learning how to catch the big ones .They can't wait for the day they can out fish their old Dad.
Other buddies I take I teach just like I do my kids and they are having a ball, some say best fishing trip of their lives, and I have created some great fisherman but I still have not found anyone to replace Dad yet, so I ask the question are good fishing buddies born or are they created?

[Jim Gronaw]

Nice topic...When I take a friend, family member or anyone fishing, my goal is to have that person catch a memorable fish and realize the great gift we have in enjoying the outdoors and to stay away from all that junky stuff that's out there.

I have been blessed to have a wife and son who have shared my passion for fishing and we have made things a family affair. We have had great times and great memories. I guess I nurtured them in this way. Hopefully it will all get passed on...

[Michael S]

Well, all my fishing buddies are family members; i.e. my dad, uncles and kids. My friends don't have an interest in it. Perhaps, it's something you have to do as a child to develope a love for it.

[steve b]

Mine come in two flavors. Friends, of near equal skill levels. Then family, you get what you get ! steve b

[Mr. LaVern J. Ringle]

My fishing buddies are both better then me and they are family.
My son is the best! He kicks my fanny every time we go fishing. Some day
I want to get him back.
Then a fishing buddies that I love dearly just got killed in a car, he is my nephew.
That young man could catch a fish on an empty hook.
He will always be in my heart but I miss him. My son even said that it is not the same
now, without him.

[robsabloke]

Lord of the fly..
You never will find anyone to replace your Dad... but it's impossible to go fishing and not think of him every time you are on the water.

As for fishing friends... I love to teach the youngsters... some adults can be stuck in their ways... I have always been open to new ideas and will try anything. I met my fishing buddy (Big Jim) about 10 years ago... I had heard he was an incredible Bluegill Fisherman... managed to get connected with him and we went fishing. We've been going ever since. Not only is he a great Bluegill fisherman... he is one of the finest men I have ever met.
Tight Lines
Rob