RAPID CITY - To Jeff Turner, life can be broken up into two phases: Success and significance.

As a defense contractor working outside of Washington, D.C., Turner has seen some success in his working life. He owned and operated his own company. But, last June, with his son Taylor about to begin his junior year of high school and a good friend passing away, Turner began to question the "significance" part of his life.

"I couldn't point to anything that was significant," Turner said. "The way things go, this is the last summer in which time is not the enemy. If we were ever to do anything extraordinary, this would be the summer."

So he and his son started thinking, 'what would we do if we had three months with no strings attached?' Jeff wanted to fish, and Taylor wanted to go on an RV trip through the country.

They hatched a plan.

Today, the two started a trip to fish in all 50 states in 50 days. Starting in Pennsylvania, the two will trek throughout the country, fishing four hours at a trophy-water site - including rivers, lakes and ocean spots. The trip will span 15,000 miles by land, 6,000 miles by air, and it will cover 500 miles by water with no shortcuts.

Along the way, the two will see sights in all states, including Mount Rushmore, which the father and son will see July 9 before fishing near Spearfish. In cooperation with ESPN Outdoors, the family will keep a journal each day with Web videos and photos. People will also be able to track their progress online using the LiveViewGPS application linked to their Web site, www.fish5050 .com.

Planning the trip was a challenge, and the most challenging task is obtaining fishing licenses. The Turners must obtain fishing licenses where applicable, and at this point, they are still trying to obtain 10 of them. Jeff conceded that he may have to obtain some of them while on the road.

"We've got just about everything imaginable booked in," he said.

Then, they started to get some help. While calling an outfitter for the fifth state, Florida, Jeff encountered a man who said he would help the Turners for $1,000 a day. After telling the man about the reasons behind the trip, the man offered his help for free.

"The man said 'I really was inspired by what I read, and I believe in what you are about to do,'" Jeff said. "This might have a public appeal. I kind of use that as a catalyst, that there is a bigger message here."

That bigger message: Fathers need to spend more face time with their children.

"About 10 years ago, I think our society went a different direction," Jeff said. "It is really difficult for fathers because we make ourselves available 24/7, but we tend not to make that extra effort.

"I think kids around America are really suffering."

As the planning for the trip kept going, credibility kept building.

"Countless people have poured out their hearts to try to make this journey successful."

In January, the Turners spent some time looking for sponsors. They did not need money for the trip, rather, they needed clothing and other gear. They had little luck.

"Then one day out of the blue, we got a call from ESPN," Jeff said. "(They said) 'We want to partner with you guys.' The ESPN stamp of approval gave it legitimacy at a whole different level."

But all the while, the Turners are not going on the trip for publicity or records. They are doing it for the experience.

"I'm just a guy with a dream," Jeff said. "The bonds my son and I have built have just been priceless. We have a great relationship and we get along like best friends."