11 Yr old Daughters first Striper

[hforce1]

Hit Manasquan Inlet around 2 pm with my lil tribe of 3. We had combo of tog n flounder rigs. Just too much seaweed n too cold for tribe to enjoy. Made car ride to spot on North Barnegat Bay. After a few hours one of my daughters hooked into a short striper that one would think to be a 1k marlin. Coached the young contender through the reel in process. Tip up, line tight , steady as she goes. After a long fight my baby girl landed 18 inch striper.
Her reaction, the feeling of accomplishment, appreciation of beauty of a species, the questions that followed, the desire to do it again : ect. I realized and remembered the value of a simple pass time that can define the character of a kid and a Dad. So much more than just fishin. One fish.
Yesterday on my 39th birthday. Awesome.