Fishing popularity has grown exponentially over the last few years as families find creative ways to spend more time outdoors. According to the U.S Department of Interior, more than 35 million Americans went fishing in 2016, an 8% increase from 2011.
But for most fishermen and women, casting a line on a warm, lazy afternoon is a passion. So if you love fishing, it’s natural that you may want to share your hobby with your kids. Some of them may even turn it into a life-changing job.
However, fishing is a sport that needs commitment and concentration. All kids will not enjoy it. To introduce the art of fishing to your family, here are a few tips that can help.
Don’t Make It Too Serious
Young kids will not be prepared for the challenges that come with fishing. As such, don’t be too serious on them. Perhaps the best strategy is not to teach them at all.
Instead, take them to the local beach, aquarium or gardens. It is essential for your kids to develop a natural curiosity for fish. Kids often find a goldfish behind a glass wall more interesting than spending all day hunting them in the water, so begin there.
Find The Right Equipment
As your children grow, it is important to show them that fishing can be enjoyable. Take them with you on a day trip to fish. Help them develop an initial interest. That way, they will probably try to grab a rod and cast a line without being asked to.
In places like Australia where sea creatures like the water-buffalo are hunted with firearms like AK 47, AR-10 rifles, or even shotguns, a totally different hunting education is required than those of the earlier mentioned line and hook method of fish hunting.
As you pass down your skills and knowledge, don’t limit yourself to old habits. Today, modern fishing equipment that is child-friendly exists. It’s a good idea to invest in such equipment if you want to make fishing an interesting expedition for your kids. You can learn more about such equipment from reputable sites, such as focus fishing.
Make Fishing A Family Adventure
Spending a day out on the water showing your children how to fish can be a lifetime adventure filled with exhilaration. So, incorporate fishing in your next family road trip or holiday to help them look forward to it, and take fishing lessons passionately.
This strategy also offers an opportunity to associate pastime with family, a tradition that will remain for many years. Regardless of where you stay during the holiday, fishing the old way can also be a great way to teach your kids about old family traditions.
Patience Pays
Although you may be a fishing expert now, you weren’t born that way. Always keep that mind when teaching your kids. Most kids, particularly teenagers, tend to get frustrated easily by the low nature of fishing. Most of them are not patient enough.
Therefore, when teaching your kids to fish, engage and remind them that catching a fish is not the ultimate sign of success. Also, remember that kids will learn from your outlook, so be calm and positive throughout.
Choose The Right Location
Adults know that fishing isn’t only about the catch, but kids won’t see it that way. They will be looking forward to their first catch. So if you want to avoid any of them going home empty-handed, choose the right fishing spot. Choose a fishing ground with lots of fish to increase the chances of everyone catching something.
Shop Talk
Although you don’t want to overwhelm your children with too much information, it’s still prudent to talk tactics with them. Show them a few examples and demonstrations on how to fish.
For example, explain how a float works and why it’s important. Show them how it moves when a fish bites. This will make learning interesting and friendly.
Bring Their Friends
Most kids don’t find it cool to spend all-day fishing with their parents. Consider inviting their friends on your next fishing expedition. This encourages your kids to understand that fishing is not just a family affair, but something that everyone can learn and enjoy. Your kid will also enjoy the company and increase their chances of learning fast.
Safety First
Taking children out to water bodies can be risky, so make sure they wear life jackets. If they complain about being comfortable, don’t let them off. Some equipment, like certain hooks, are designed for adults. So make sure that you’re using equipment that hides the hook for safe casting. You can also teach that it is not advisable to use an overhead cast.
Spending time with your family enjoying the outdoors is great. The most important things to remember are patience pay, be safe and have fun. Fishing is a life lesson that will remain in your kids’ minds forever.
