"That is a German Brown Trout" I told my son Nathan when he caught a 12 lb carp. I have never seen him more proud. The tourists walking by the dock were very impressed. They asked Nathan what kind of fish it was and he explained it was a German Brown Trout, I started to laugh and the tourist looked mad. I had to tell everyone, including my son, it was actually a carp.

Of course, being 6 years old, my son wanted to keep the fish, so we did. I knew it was going to help my tomatoes grow in the garden however, he thought we were going to eat it. I don't even know how to clean a carp. After a great deal of discussion, it is fertilizer.

Being a busy fishing guide, summers are too short and finding time to fish with my buddy Nathan is always a challenge. I know the Wisconsin DNR sometimes gets a bad rap, but the Wisconsin Park System is truly amazing and one of the best in the country. At least once a week, my family jumps in the truck and we head to the Whitewater State Park for some quality shore fishing.

Taking kids fishing this way is very easy. Kids need snacks, drinks, bugs, flowers, a fishing pole and a worm to stay busy. My son and I fish off the dock, while my daughter, Katie, plays on the playground equipment or picks flowers with mom.

I never plan to be there too long, once they are starting to get bored, we leave. The biggest mistake I see when guiding is forcing children to fish longer than their interest level.

The best presentation for young children is worms fished on a bobber. The dock that we fish off, has produced a myriad of species including largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, rock bass and

the famous German Brown Trout, aka carp. Of course, the biggest thrill was the 12 lb carp. Nathan still talks about that fish with anyone and everyone. With children, it's all about the little things. What seems important to you, is never important to them. The thrill is in the catch and the species doesn't matter that much, although in this case the size was impressive.

There are many parks and small waters that will create a great outdoor experience for you and your children. In Walworth County, WI I like shore fishing at Congdon Park in Delavan, Kettle Moraine State Park near Whitewater or Turtle Creek in Delavan.

Remember that summer is short, take the time to take your kids fishing and keep the joyful fishing tradition alive. It doesn't need to be a weekend trip planned far away with hours and hours of fishing, sometimes an hour or two close to home is a better choice.