Take Your Father Fishing

By Kevin Estela

Like many of you, I grew up with a fishing pole in hand. I remember chasing sunfish in local ponds, digging worms in the backyard, and heading to the water with my dad. Some of my best memories are from fishing derbies at Page Park Lagoon with him and my Uncle Ray. While they talked about life, I was locked in on my bobber.

Flipping the Script

Years later, life has taken me deep into the outdoors, but my father’s path slowed with age. He’s now 86, spending most days at home, church, or near the water. On a recent trip back to Connecticut, I wanted to shake up his routine—and flip the roles by taking him fishing.

Just Being There

My father still moves well but avoids risk. He didn’t plan to fish, but he agreed to join me at the river. We went to my favorite stretch of the Farmington River—a place tied to my past as a fisherman, instructor, and pandemic escape. With a folding chair set up in the sun, he watched as I worked the water in my waders.

He also watched as I filmed some videos for Wiley X and asked who I was talking to. I explained, and he nodded—a simple, content smile on his face. That moment is one I’ll remember.

Words That Stay With You

We wandered the river. He pointed out that he’d never seen these areas, even after decades in the U.S. Watching my methodical setup and cast, he said, “You’ve really perfected this.” At 45, that meant more than I expected. You're never too old to value your father's praise.

More Than a Catch

We only landed one trout. But it wasn’t about the catch. It was about being together. We ate at a local country store, ran a few errands, and spent time in quiet conversation. The action wasn’t epic—but the memory is.

Now that I live in North Carolina, I don’t get to see him often. Our nightly 8 p.m. call is a small way we stay close. When I was young, fishing got me out into the woods. Now, it gets him out of the house.

You don’t need a perfect day on the water. You just need to show up for each other.

I’d suggest fishing.