I Was Busy. They Were Growing.
Joshua "Trapper" Jones
I grew up in northwest Iowa, near Black Hawk Lake. Water was never just water to me — it was where life slowed down. Where conversations happened. Where time felt different.
I didn’t know it then, but those early days around the lake were shaping how I would eventually lead as a husband and father.
I’ve been married to my wife, Tonya, for 28 years. She has been my steady foundation through every season — building businesses, raising boys, chasing goals, and learning what really matters.
We have two sons — Aidan (21) and Micah (18). Being their dad is the most important role I’ve ever held.
Since 2004, I’ve owned and operated a bird and bat control company. Building and running a business takes time, energy, and responsibility. I understand what it’s like to work long hours, carry financial pressure, and feel the weight of providing for a family.
I resonate deeply with dads who work a lot.
Because I am one.
And somewhere along the way, I realized something important: providing for your family matters — but being present with them matters even more.
For eight consecutive years, I intentionally took my sons on trips — just us. Some were bigger fishing adventures. Many were simple. But all were purposeful. No distractions. No rushing. Just focused time together.
There were also countless smaller trips — evenings on the water, short fishing outings, long truck rides filled with honest conversations. Those moments built trust. Confidence. Connection.
Fishing has been a major part of my life.
I competed on the National Walleye Tour as a Co-Angler in 2023, and then stepped into the Pro division in 2024 and 2025. You can learn more about that journey at trapperjonesfishing.com. Competition sharpened me — but it also clarified something:
The trophies fade.
The time doesn’t.
Since 2018, I’ve been involved with Edgeventure men’s ministry, walking alongside other men striving to lead well at home. That community reinforced what I was already learning as a father — presence beats perfection.
Trip With Dad wasn’t built from theory.
It was built from real life.
From working long days.
From choosing to carve out intentional time anyway.
From watching what happens when a dad steps away from routine and toward his child.
This mission isn’t about raising professional anglers.
It’s not about expensive gear or perfect trips.
It’s about helping fathers realize they don’t have to be perfect — they just have to show up.
Fishing is simply the vehicle.
Connection is the goal.
If my sons carry anything forward from our years together, I hope it’s this:
Your time mattered.
You were seen.
You were valued.
That’s why Trip With Dad exists.
