Liam tugged at his father’s hand as the sun peeked over the hills.
“Are we going fishing now, Dad?” he asked, eyes wide with excitement.
His father chuckled, handing him a small fishing rod. “Let’s go, champ. The fish are waiting.”
They walked down to Willow Lake, the morning mist still swirling over the calm water. Birds chirped in the distance, and frogs leapt from lily pads as they reached the wooden dock.
“Now remember,” Dad said, helping Liam attach the bait, “fishing takes patience.”
Liam nodded eagerly, casting his line into the water. For the first few minutes, he sat tall and still, just like his dad. But then…
Nothing.
No wiggle. No splash. No fish.
Minutes turned to an hour, and Liam’s face drooped. “This is boring,” he groaned, slumping onto the dock. “I don’t think they want to be caught today.”
Dad smiled calmly, sipping from his thermos. “Sometimes the biggest catches take the longest. Want to try just a little longer?”
Liam sighed but nodded. He adjusted his line and stared back at the water. It was quiet again.
Then—TUG!
His rod bent sharply. “Dad! I’ve got something!” Liam shouted, heart racing.
Together, they wrestled the line, Liam gripping tightly while Dad guided him. The water churned, and with one last pull—
SPLASH!
Out leapt the biggest fish Liam had ever seen—silver scales flashing in the sunlight, nearly as long as his arm!
They laughed and whooped as they carefully removed the hook and snapped a photo before gently letting the fish go.
On the way home, Liam held the picture in his hands, beaming.
“I’m really glad we waited,” he said.
His father grinned. “That’s the secret to fishing, son. Patience always has the biggest reward.”
