Got my first tank when I was 7 ish. Grew up on the water where I started by fishing daily. Then my interest grew to just looking at them in natural conditions. Watched largemouth bass, pike, perch spawning and that changed it for me. Started keeping native fish. Would spend my time watching native fish in tanks I had in one of our detached heated storage buildings. Around 60ftx60ft. I would spend every minute catching food for the fish, water changes or maintenance. I was around 9 at this time. In my early teens (12) I had around 1000 gallons of water in the one heated storage building, I maintained the pond on our property as well where I stocked a variety of native fish that would spawn yearly. Then I went to exotics where I spent every dime I ever made into fish and tanks. Grade 8 (whatever age that is 13-14 I believe) I got my first rays. Did my time with black rays, pbass, aros,and of course I found my love with gars. Moved away from the home and sold off most of the tanks, currently have nothing running. Until we finish moving houses there will be nothing new, still stay with this hobby by logging on to this site daily, talking on the Ontario MFK group chat we have going, assist in selling lights and stingrays as well as continue to build my contacts. Just got back from a fishing trip where I took the canoe out in the morning and just watched some smallmouths guarding the nest, then pike fishing in the afternoon. Love this hobby and I'm happy what it's done for me. Times where I doubt if It's a good choice but that cones with any hobby.
