Author and newspaper columnist John Sinor once said "It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping." In many cases, people think of fishing as a fun activity between father and son. Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jose Paz, an avid fisherman and father of four daughters, breaks that stereotype by taking time with each of his girls to teach them the ins and outs of fishing.

"I don't have any sons," said Paz. "I don't regret it though. I raise my daughters to understand that they can do anything."
Knowing they can do anything gives them the confidence they need to fish successfully.

"I was out fishing with my seven year old one day, and she thought she had a pretty large fish," said Paz. "I told her she probably just got a tire or something stuck on her hook. She was so confident that it was a big fish, so I helped steady her so she wouldn't fall in the water. Sure enough she reeled in a bass."

The Paz girls aren't only confident in their beliefs on the water, but also in day-to-day life.

"There was a time when an older boy was bullying one of the girls," said Paz. "The oldest sister didn't like knowing that her little sister was having a rough time. In true big sister fashion, the oldest took matters into her own hands and defended her sibling when she caught wind of another incident between the boy and her younger sister."

Just as Paz teaches his daughters to protect each other, he also teaches them to be kind to animals.

"We don't catch fish just to kill them," said Paz. "If we catch a smaller fish I make sure that we take it off the hook and carefully release it back into the water."

Thanks to people like Paz who care about the environment, Hampton Roads has plenty of viable places to enjoy a good day of fishing. Jon Kurowski, an employee at Wilcox Bait and Tackle, recommends a few.

"There's really no wrong choice in venue when it comes to fishing in Hampton Roads," said Kurowski. "Places like Ocean View fishing pier, James River Bridge fishing pier, Buckroe Beach fishing pier and 16th street fishing pier are just a few."

After being stationed in a particular area for a lengthy period like Paz, a person is bound to find their own favorite spots for fishing.

"For me where I want to fish depends on the time of year," said Paz. "In the summer months I fish in Prince Lake, Western Branch Lake and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area. In the winter months I fish in Rudee Inlet and Lynnhaven Inlet for saltwater fish."

As with any hobby or sport involving nature, there are rules and regulations that must be followed. When it comes to fishing, laws may vary by location and water type.

"In most cases you will need a salt water or fresh water fishing license," said Kurowski. "People can obtain a license digitally on their cell phone or a paper version by coming into our store. It is important to double check guidelines online because some piers don't require a license at all, while others may have additional requirements."

Fishing can include technicalities on the regulations side as well as the physical side. During fishing adventures with his daughters, Paz ensures they understand both.

For more information on fishing and fishing laws in Virginia, visit www.dgif.virginia.gov.


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