I_C,
Your shoreline fishing is a good one. Is there anything more socially enjoyable than hanging out on the bank with a big crawler on the bottom or a fat chub swimming around?

S_T
While I'm a big "personal responsibility" guy and can be a tough disciplinarian with my own kid I'm leaning the other way on this. My general motto on trips is "let everyone do what they want". A 14 year old is constantly under unrelenting authority.( that is if the parents are any count) My plan is to treat him as an equal this first trip and ask him if he wants to help out. If he doesn't I'll act as if I could care less. He's a good kid and sooner or later he'll come around if he doesn't feel like he's under the thumb. Canoe trips are supposed to be fun, right?

Preacher
You have probably most mirrored my own thoughts. With boat, packs, tents and guide service provided I feel entitled to be AWOL for some time. It was probably good to inform them that they need to be self sufficient. KF has it right though, I need to seek some balance. If I'm not careful I can fish 12 to 14 hours non-stop for days at a time. (always something new to try :P ) I would be doing both them and probably myself a disservice. Besides, Tim's a great guy....the definition of easy going.