| |
As spring marches on, kids across America will soon be leaving school for summer vacation and three months -- give or take -- of pure bliss.
Here’s hoping they spend some of their days wetting a line, learning the time-honored sport of fishing. That’s because there’s no better way to spend a lazy summer day than trying figure out the pictorial puzzle that is catching a fish -- any fish.
Throughout my life, I’ve had the distinct privilege of giving dozens of fishing seminars across the nation on how to catch fish. But one of the most-asked questions I get is how to introduce a kid to fishing, especially when that kid has never fished before in his or her life.
Good question. I believe that kids are naturally attracted to fishing because they’re naturally curious and have a strong sense of adventure -- even in today’s high-tech world of video game madness and other mind-numbing pursuits that bare little resemblance to a day on the water.
Kids and fishing are the perfect storm -- assuming, of course, they’re given proper guidance. What we adults have to remember, and what many of us too often forget, is that when you’re teaching a kid to fish, it’s all about the kid, and not you. Check your ego (and your rod and reel) at the door. Focus your attention solely on the child in question, and solely that child. As a guy who has taught his four daughters how to fish, I guarantee you’ll get as much out of it as they do.
Here are some tips to remember for kids and fishing:
Eye and sun protection: Every angler needs a fishing hat and protective eye wear of some sort. A good hat and a pair of sunglasses (polarized work best for fishing), both offer protection from the bright sun and a stray cast. Don’t let your kids leave home without both.
Gear choices: Today’s fishing world is loaded with sophisticated fishing tackle. For kids, however, simplicity is the key. Cane poles may be too old school for some, but I say they’re elegant in their simplicity and effectiveness -- especially when you’re fishing for panfish. If you do decide to outfit your child with a rod and reel, be sure they understand how to use it. And that takes practice and instruction, which should take place before you are on the water.
# Safety first: Check your back. Ask an apprentice caster to look back before casting to make sure people and other obstructions are not in the way. Also, make sure to bring insect repellant, sun block, a small first aid kit and life vests for you and your child. Kids are like sponges, so start instilling that safety ethic right away. Your child won’t forget.
# Fish handling: Teach kids the appropriate way to handle fish to prevent small bites and fin pricks, as well as injury to the fish. Save a few fish for the frying pan, but also begin laying the foundation of the conservation-minded angler. Explain why catch and release is important and how today it is often required by law.
# Quick Success: Kids love to catch fish, and I’m talking any species of fish. So your best bet is to look for bluegill or their panfish cousins because they’re usually plentiful, scrappy and easy to catch. The basic hook, worm and bobber rig is still the best way to catch these fish. Panfish have small mouths, so use a size 10 or smaller hook, and the bait should just barely cover the hook.
# Bring snacks: When things get slow, take a break and have a snack. When I’m fishing with one of my daughters, I always bring a cooler of soft drinks, pre-made sandwiches, Jack Link’s beef jerky and something to satisfy the biggest sweet tooth. A hungry kid is an unfocused kid. Don’t forget the food!
# Love our natural surrounding. If the fish aren't biting, spend some time teaching your child about the natural world, and how fish play a role in it. Explain to them the importance of clean water and a healthy environment. When it doubt, give them an entomology lesson by looking for bugs under rocks – they’ll like that. Take along a net to catch grasshoppers and other bugs. Teach the kids what poison ivy looks like. The list of things you can discuss when the fishing is slow is endless.
# Make memories: At its core, fishing is about memories, and developing that indestructible relationship between you and your kids. Bring a camera so that you can capture that first fish for your family photo album. A decade from now, you’ll be happy you did.
Good fishing.
|
