|
If you are tired of seeing your son or daughter laying sprawled on the floor in front of the television screen or playing an electronic or computer game of some kind for hours on end, it's time to get them out of the house, into the fresh air and sunlight where they can get some exercise and have a good time. It's time to take them fishing.
It's not difficult to get kids interested in fishing, but there are some things you can do to make sure their first fishing trip will be enjoyable, memorable, and exciting enough that they'll be asking to go again.
Some people wonder how old their kids have to be before they can take them fishing.
I don't think they are ever too young to go with you. My kids' mom and I took our kids camping and fishing with us before they could walk and they sat on the bank with us watching and learning about fishing just by being there.
I think taking them along when they are young gives them an understanding of what's going on, what all the equipment is for and lets them see it being used so they have some knowledge and background before the first time they "cast" their worm with a cane pole.
The younger they get started, the sooner fishing becomes a natural part of their life.
Most of the information presented here is for helping kids in the 4- to 7-year old group learn to fish. But, the "rules" for developing a love of fishing are the same for kids of all ages -- give them equipment they can use, show them how to use it, take them to a good fishing spot and let them have a good time catching fish.
One of the most basic rules is to provide the youngster with fishing equipment that is in good condition and that is not above their skill level.
Teach them how use it in the backyard or other suitable spot away from the lake and let them practice until they are used to handling it. The simpler the equipment, the better for the first time out. It's hard for anyone to have problems with a cane pole, a hook, a split shot and a small bobber.
A spin-cast reel is a good choice for starting inexperienced kids in the 8-12 year old group, and beginning anglers in their teens or older can usually master the skills necessary to use a spinning reel during their first fishing trip.
Choose the fishing spot carefully. Go to a lake, pond or stream where you know you can catch fish. Bluegill, crappie, bullheads or small largemouth bass are perfect quarries. A put-and-take lake such as the Two Rivers Trout Pond can also be a good choice.
Some kids, especially very young anglers, are hesitant to bait their own hook. If so, bait it for them. Don't become upset or criticize them if they have trouble casting or accidentally get their line hung-up on obstructions. The whole idea is for them to catch a fish and have a good time.
Let them land their own fish. The things that most fascinate kids about fishing are seeing the bobber suddenly disappear beneath the surface, feeling the fish pulling against the the rod and line, finally getting to see the fish they've caught and examining it closely in their hand.
Don't expect them to unhook the fish themselves, take some time and show them how to hold the fish so they don't get poked by the spiny rays of a fin, and how to remove the hook from the fish's mouth.
Don't insist that they try to unhook the fish on their own, but let them try if they want to.
There's nothing more boring than just sitting on the bank watching a bobber for hours on end.
If the kid appears to be getting bored, keep them interested by telling them about the fish, the bait, showing them other kinds of fishing equipment, talking about the trees, grass, birds, bugs, wildlife, and any other outdoor topic.
When you're going fishing, don't let them take anything along that will distract them from where they are and what they are doing.
No cell phones, no electronic games, no books, magazines, or coloring books. A pair of binoculars that allows them get a close-up look at birds, wildlife, or plants growing across the pond is a good choice.
|
