We all know the importance of parents spending time with their children, but the great divide – technology – seems to turn any bonding time into a battle if a parent dares ask a child to turn off and tune-in.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife through their takemefishing.com program thinks it has a solution that will help parents and children of all ages connect in a positive and lasting way. The Texas Parks and Wildlife has even prepared an extensive tip sheet to make getting ready for a fishing trip a breeze and not a bother. To keep costs down, fishing spots are divided by regions and the lakes surrounding San Antonio offer some of the best fishing in Texas.

Shane Pfullman, owner of Double P Rentals and Sales in Pleasanton, love of fishing started with father and son outings at tanks near his family’s ranch in McCoy. Shane and his father, Tinker Pfullman, owner of T&S Bit and Rental in Pleasanton, are active members of the Atascosa Bass Club and to say avid fishermen would be an understatement.

Shane began fishing early in life with his dad when they would visit the three tanks on their ranch just outside of McCoy. At the age of 13, Shane’s dad took him on his first tournament. The duo went as part of the Atascosa Bass Club to the number one bass lake in Texas – Falcon – where Shane caught an 11lb 13 oz bass. That catch still stands today as Shane’s largest bass.

Shane said that fishing with his dad has helped them develop a close relationship that remains to this day. Shane works with his father but there he said they just pass each other during the day. “I think because of fishing with my dad that our relationship is totally different,” said Shane. “Throughout my life, one of us would want to go fishing but the other was too busy. But, it seems we would always find a way to find the time to go fish together.”

Fishing is definitely worth the investment of time spent with family. However, if you do not want to invest a lot of money on your first family fishing trip, try one of the many parks that take part in the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. This program loans fishing equipment just like the library loans books. Individuals can borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes with hooks, sinkers and bobbers for up to 7 days of fishing. All you need to do is go to one of the 40 Texas State Parks that offer the program, fill out a loaner survey and form and go fishing. For the full list of loaner sites please go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/ angler_ education/tackloan.

1. Millers Pond, San Antonio (210) 623-2900
2. Espada Park Lake (210) 207-8480
3. Hi-Lions Pond, San Antonio (210) 207-8480
4. Braunig Lake, San Antonio (210) 635-8289
5. Calaveras Lake, San Antonio (210) 635-8359
6. Brackenridge Park, San Antonio River (210) 207-8480
7. Live Oak City Lake, Live Oak (210) 653-9140
8. Lake Dunlap, New Braunfels (830) 379-5822
9. Lake McQueeney, McQueeney (830) 379-5822
10. Lake Placid, Seguin (830) 379-5822
11. Canyon Lake, Comal County (830) 964-3341;
12. Medina Lake, Northern Medina County (830) 665-2132