More Than a Rod and Reel: Teaching Our Sons the Spiritual Art of Fishing

There’s something timeless about fishing—something that speaks to the soul of a man, young or old. It’s an art, a sport, and a life skill all in one. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been going out on fishing trips with my brother-in-law, Patrick Leigh, and his two boys—my nephews—along with my oldest son. These aren’t just casual outings; they’re intentional moments of teaching, bonding, and spiritual formation. What I’ve come to realize is that fishing, especially for boys around the ages of 7 to 10, is about so much more than the catch.

At that age, fun is often measured in fast results. They want the tug on the line, the splash, the excitement of reeling in a fish. And when that doesn’t happen, it’s easy for them to lose interest. But that’s where the teaching begins.

Fishing requires patience. It demands concentration. And it builds humility—especially on the many outings where we come home empty-handed. But even those days are full of lessons. I remind them often: it’s called fishing, not catching.

As a father and uncle, I see these quiet moments by the water as sacred. They’re not just learning how to cast a line—they’re learning how to wait. How to focus. How to keep hope alive when there’s nothing biting. These are not just fishing lessons. They’re life lessons.

In our Catholic Christian faith, fishing is deeply symbolic. Christ Himself called fishermen to be His first apostles. He told Peter and Andrew, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, NABRE). He used the tools of their trade to teach them how to reach hearts. In the same way, we can use this beautiful, ancient skill to reach the hearts of our sons.

Fishing, in its simplest form, is an act of provision. Historically, it put food on the table. Spiritually, it was a symbol of mission. Today, it’s a way for us to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with God.

As modern fathers and uncles, we have a responsibility to raise boys into men who can provide—not just materially, but spiritually. And truthfully, this is not only a lesson for the boys—it’s a lesson for both Patrick and me as parents. In a world moving faster by the second, we must slow down and teach our sons the value of patience, stillness, and presence. We must guide them in the way only a parent can, helping them discover that some of life’s greatest rewards come not from instant gratification—but from quiet perseverance.

So whether the line tugs or stays still, the time spent beside the water is never wasted. It’s where boys learn to become men, and where men become the teachers they were called to be.

God Bless,

Ian Ackbarali, CEO

The Modern Apostle LLC