By Caitlyn Gatrell
If you’re a dog owner/lover like me, then I’m sure you enjoy taking your furry friends along for some of your adventures. My dogs are quite the adventurous companions, as they love to explore nature, especially the ocean and fishing excites them! They love to join us on our fishing journeys, as long as we stop at the island so they can swim and play!
We have an almost six-year-old mix, Thor, and a three-year-old German Shepherd, Maverick. Now one thing I will say, our Shepherd isn’t the best when it comes to sitting still, but he’s learning more and more each time he comes out. Let’s just say he’s fallen off the boat a couple times due to his clumsiness, but he sure is a fan when it comes to watching the action of feisty fish. Thor on the other hand, seems like he may have been an angler in a past life! He hears every sound and knows where to look, whether it’s a snook blowing up on bait, a tarpon leaping out of the water, or even just the sound of a screaming drag.
Taking dogs fishing isn’t always the easiest, as for one, they love to get in the way at times, and you have to keep an eye on them and make sure they are hydrated, not too hot, and safe. For me, seeing their smiling faces and the joy that exploring brings them is worth the hassle.
The last time we brought them with us, it was almost like we had good luck the whole trip! My fiancé and I doubled up on some nice redfish, I caught my PB snook, and we hooked up to some feisty tarpon. Every time the drag started to go off, they immediately jumped up and located where the action was. As the fish get closer to the boat and they splash or jump, it excites them.
Once the fish is in the boat, it’s comical to see how they react to them. Our German Shepherd isn’t a huge fan of them up close, as he gets a little frightened. Something funny is that Thor somehow seems to know the difference between gamefish and the less exciting species. Whenever we catch a snook or redfish he gets very happy and starts wagging his tail and wants to kiss them. Other species like smaller mangrove snapper or jack crevalle he will give a side eye or little snarl to. Like I said, he must have been a fisherman in his past life! Overall, their favorite species to see is tarpon, just like their parents! The crazy jumps, runs, and splashes highly capture their attention, putting on a live show for them.
Taking the boys out with us always is an adventure. If you have pups at home, consider taking them out with you. You may face some obstacles, but it will be an awesome and very memorable experience for them!