Take an Old Fart Fishing

Take an Old Fart Fishing is a program that I sincerely hope someone organizes and runs with. I'm not an organizer, and I'm too busy enabling not-so-old farts to go fishing on their own, but I occasionally get wild ideas that I hope someone takes to fruition.

What gave me the idea was getting an order for several packages of micro fishing hooks from a guy in an old age home. I'm not being politically incorrect or insensitive - Old Age Home was part of the actual address. (Obviously, it was not in the US).

That got me thinking (hoping, really) that when it comes time for me to go into an old age home there is a pond nearby (within walker distance) that I can sneak away to.

I'm sure everyone has heard the phrase "take a kid fishing." Several states have either official or semi-official kids' fishing days. There's at least one foundation set up to promote taking kids fishing. I think those are great ideas.

Personally, I think the above painting accurately captures an old man reflecting. I'm sure it's copyrighted and I don't know who owns the copyright, but if they ask me to remove the photo I will. I've seen it on Facebook a dozen times, but each time it reminds me of when I was a kid and just starting to fish.

I imagine most people reading this have seen the above image as well. I'm sure it's copyrighted, too, and again, I'll take it down if asked. You have to admire the guy's determination. I suspect most guys and gals who need a walker to get around wouldn't dare take it in a stream, and if their family ever saw them doing it they'd be grounded for sure.

The thing is, people are bending over backwards to help kids go fishing. It seems no one gives a passing thought to people who have fished all their lives, but no longer drive and cannot get out to go fishing. If you've fished for decades, and love fishing, think how depressing it would be to never be able to go again.

When my mother was in an assisted living facility, they had regular outings that took residents to museums or art shows or the town park when the roses were blooming. They never had any trips to take people fishing. I suppose none of the staff fished and they probably never even thought about it. If they ever did think about it they probably thought only about guys falling down and breaking bones, or falling in the water and drowning.

Any organization that has the personnel (and insurance coverage) that allows them to take kids fishing probably has the personnel (and insurance coverage) that would allow them to take old farts fishing. I am certain the old farts would appreciate it. I know I would.