I'm thinking of missing the birth of my first child so I can go fishing with my good buddy.
Why would you wish to do that?
He's been a very good friend to me and I love fishing.
It sounds like you have a fear of watching childbirth. It's wrong to make excuses for why you can't be in attendance for your child's birth. Your wife is expecting you to be there for her.
Wtf you expect me to go to the hospital, when I just want to fish. I just don't want her to talk shit to me.
Your child and your wife need you to be there for them and giving reasons why you can't be there for the birth is not right. This is your family and they will be crushed if you are not there.