If parents want to get their kids engaged in outdoor activities, they likely have to get them started early. Kids these days have too many things going on around them that disrupt their attention spans. Years ago, kids may have wanted to go camping, hiking, biking, play cops and robbers, and go fishing. Nowadays, many kids rather sit around and play their X-box 360, listen to their iPod, or watch a movie on their personal laptops. The last generation were lucky to even have a television set to watch their favorite cartoons on Saturday morning!
To rectify this situation, anglers with adequate parenting skills can lay down the law and drag their squirts out to the lake. By the end of the fishing trip, those spoiled brats should have develop an appreciation for trout and bass. Even if they grow to hate it, at least they will catch a glimpse of sunshine and breathe in some fresh air. Make a promise to take them to the movies or the shopping mall in exchange for a quiet afternoon on the water. It will surely quell any fights they might try to stir in an attempt to avoid casting their rods.
Parents who wish that their kids will become avid fisherman should get them involved at an early age. Start by taking them along on fishing trips and then gradually introduce them to digging up worms or catching the shrimp. Show the squirts the tackle box, including all of the fake bait, lures, bobbers, and hooks. After each successful catch, identify the fish type and place it in the bucket. Give the bucket a name that the kids will remember. Make fishing into a game that the whole family will enjoy. Getting them involved in the cleaning and skinning process will show them that there's more to fishing than just throwing a reel into the water, especially after their mouths start to salivate when they smell deep-fried fish.
On the second and third trip, encourage the kids to pick up the rod every once in a while. Teach them the proper casting techniques to avoid hooking themselves or others around them. Practice in the backyard or driveway if they feel embarrassed to do it in front of other people. Purchase a spincasting rig to assist them in learning the process firsthand. Not only will this save the kid from emotional scarring, it will spare having to spend hours retracing the hook line caught on a large rock or tree. In addition, it will help the kids develop strong friendships with other angler buddies. Kids stop turning to the wisdom of their parents, and start to seek out the advice of their peers at an early age. Responsible parents realize the difficulties of growing up without the inclusion of friends. Therefore, it becomes vitally important to invite hangovers with the little squirts' friends to really get them actively engaged in the sport. As a result, this will not only reinforce the developing passion within the kids, it will spark lifelong friendships that will continue as long as they remain friends. Enthusiasts may find it harder to get their daughter and friends involved in fishing, especially if they form the opinion that fishing is a cruel activity.
As the child grows older, a phone or computer obsession may cause him or her to put up greater resistance. Encourage the child to bring his or her phone with them under certain restrictions. For instance, do not allow them to call their friends and talk up a storm; however, you may meet their wishes by allowing them to text their friends occasionally. This will make the first trip a little easier for both the kids and parents. While it's imperative to put down a heavy foot, never force the kids to join an outing. Kids have a difficult time coping with changes; therefore, angling parents should listen and help them cope with any unnecessary fears. Bring plenty of food, including sweet treats and cold drinks to make it a bearable trip. In addition, nobody likes to sit in the rain or get bitten by mosquitoes all night long; therefore, bring plenty of insect repellent and ponchos!
- Basic Fishing
- Fishing 101
- Fishing Basics: Getting Started Fishing (PDF)
- "Take Me Fishing": A Beginner's Guide to Anging (PDF)
- Basic Fishing Methods (PDF)
- Lure-Fishing Basic (PDF)
- A Beginner's Guide to Fishing (PDF)
- Fishing Knots and Rigging (PDF)
- Sport Fishing: Can Casting (PDF)
- Basic Fishing Equipment for Kids (PDF)
- C.A.S.T. for Kids Program
- HowStuffWorks: Fishing with Kids
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Fish Kids
- Kids and Fishing (PDF)
- A Guide to Eating Fish for Women, Children, and Families (PDF)