Growing up, I devoured Calvin and Hobbes. But as an adult, I’ve grown to appreciate this children’s cartoon even more. Bill Watterson did a lot of things well with it, one of them being the focus on the passion kids have for outdoor adventure, something that atrophies too often in adults.
The summer can help rekindle this childlike passion. Kayak fishing is one of the the best ways I know to do it. My brother and I did this just last Thursday morning, floating down a river near where we live, catching smallmouth bass and catching up. It didn’t cost a lot of time or money, just an early morning and some rubber worms. We didn’t catch any trophies, but it was a perfect morning.
Fishing isn’t always about a legendary catch or the latest gear. It’s about taking a step back for a moment and reminding yourself of the love you once had for spending time outdoors, unsure of what will happen next. Fishing means being completely focused on the moment, not worrying about bills, work, travel, or anything. Your attention is solely on the cast, the fish, the trees, and the river.
Michigan’s summers are short, and that makes them precious. Don’t waste them on a couch on your phone. My brother and I didn’t catch a record haul that day, but we came home grinning, wet, and relaxed. We felt like kids again, like Calvin and Hobbes tearing through the woods, chasing something wild.
Take a cue from that spiky-haired kid and his tiger. Dust off a kayak or old canoe, pack a rod, and hit the rivers and lakes. To quote the final panel of Watterson’s fantastic comic strip: “It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy… Let’s go exploring!”
Tom Zandstra is a passionate outdoorsman and CEO of The Fair Chase. Follow him on X @TheFairChase1.
