One bright and breezy morning, Zeke woke up buzzing with excitement. Today was the day! He was going fishing with his dad. He had his little tackle box ready, his lucky hat on, and his boots laced up tight.
“Ready, buddy?” Dad asked, grabbing the fishing poles.
“Ready!” Zeke grinned, though deep down, he felt a tiny bit nervous. What if he didn’t catch anything?
They drove to the big, sparkling lake where the water rippled like glass. Birds swooped over the water, and dragonflies zipped past them as they walked to the dock. Zeke watched his dad cast his fishing line out far into the water. It looked easy enough. He copied him, tossing his line—SPLASH!—right into the lake.
And then… they waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Zeke’s hands started to feel fidgety. “Dad, what if no fish want to bite?” he asked, peering into the water.
His dad smiled. “Fishing takes patience, buddy. The fish will come when they’re ready.”
Just then—TUG! Zeke felt his pole jerk in his hands. His eyes went wide. “Dad! I think I got one!”
“Reel it in, Zeke! Nice and steady!”
Zeke turned the reel as fast as he could, feeling the fish pull back. It was a battle! The fish tugged, Zeke pulled. The fish swam left, Zeke reeled right. His heart pounded. Was it going to get away?
But then—SPLASH! Up came a shiny, wiggling fish, shimmering in the sunlight.
“You did it, Zeke!” Dad cheered, helping him hold it up. It was the biggest fish Zeke had ever seen (well, the first fish he’d ever seen up close, but still!). His hands were shaking with excitement as he looked at the little creature.
“Wow…” Zeke whispered, staring at the fish’s glittering scales. “He’s kinda awesome.”
“You wanna keep him or let him go?” Dad asked.
Zeke thought for a moment, then smiled. “I think he should keep swimming.” Carefully, he lowered the fish back into the water. With a quick flick of its tail, the fish disappeared into the deep blue lake.
As they packed up to head home, Zeke held his fishing rod proudly. “That was the best fishing trip ever!”
Dad chuckled. “And it’s only your first one. Just wait till the next!”
Zeke grinned. He couldn’t wait for another adventure. But for now, he had a story to tell—one about the day he caught his very first fish.
The End.
