x
Breaking News
More () »

Father and son fishing trips turned into a book

“How to Catch a Bully Fish” was inspired by a 6-year-old's creative mind and a father’s passion to be a great dad.

TROUTMAN, N.C. — An Iredell County boy and his father wrote a children's book about their fishing trips together. 

The 6-year-old from Troutman, North Carolina, read the book to WCNC Charlotte's Larry Sprinkle during a recent visit.

Xavier Zsarmani Sr. and his son XJ said they enjoy fishing together because they find it relaxing and calming. It also gives the father and son, who are identified in this story for clarity with their first names, enjoy the quality time together.

On one of the fishing outings, Xavier recorded videos of them fishing together. While rewatching those videos later, he came up with the idea of making XJ's story into a book.

Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter

"'What do you think about writing a book about the bully fish?'" Xavier recalled asking his son. 

The book, “How To Catch a Bully Fish," is a story about bullying in school. 

"A bully fish goes to school and bullies his friends," XJ told Sprinkle.

The words in the book are based on real-life conversations from their fishing adventures. The pictures are meant to look like Xaiver and XJ.

“I didn’t want to look like the Bugs Bunny cartoon," Xavier said. "I wanted to look like us."

Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Free podcasts from WCNC Charlotte

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts 

Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here. 

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out