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National Hunting and Fishing Day Saturday, September 27, 2008
FOR A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES, TEACH YOUR KIDS TO FISH From the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation
Teaching your kids to fish introduces them to an activity they’ll enjoy for the rest of their lives. And it’s something the whole family can do together, year after year, regardless of age or gender. Plus, being in the great outdoors helps instill in children a respect for nature and the world around them.
Even if you’ve never fished, it’s easy and fun to learn right along with your children. You’ll find everything you need at your local sporting goods store. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
• Go where the fish are. Adult anglers fish primarily for relaxation, but kids are different – they want action! “Kids need to catch fish to get hooked on the sport,” says Mark Duda, executive director of Responsive Management, a fishing and wildlife research firm. “Hooking a fish may not be all that important to adults, but it sure is to kids. They need the excitement.” The best way to make sure your kids enjoy their fishing trip and want to go again is to take them to a spot where there are plenty of fish just waiting to be caught. Check with your local fish and wildlife authority or visit takemefishing.org to find stocked fishing ponds, which make excellent first-outing destinations.
• Put the kids first. Don’t expect to do any fishing yourself when you take your children for their first experience. Your role is to help them enjoy the thrill of their first catch. After the first few trips, they’ll probably want to handle most tasks themselves, giving you plenty of opportunity to fish too. Parents who focus on helping their children are sure to have a successful first outing. Just think of the memories you’ll share when they catch their first fish. And remember to bring a camera along to capture that moment.
• The “yuck” factor. Fishing with your kids is a great opportunity to explain how the food chain works. They can learn, for example, that each type of fish has a favorite bug to eat (remember, anything yucky to a 9-year-old is particularly cool), which can help them learn how each lure, fly or type of live bait will help them catch a specific type of fish. Bass, for instance, eat a variety of wiggly things like crickets and worms, both with qualities that elicit giggles and crinkled-up noses.
• Time out. Remember to take frequent breaks with your child – especially if he or she is under the age of 10. Don’t expect a young child to be able to sit quietly in a boat or on the dock for hours at a time. You can still use break time as a learning experience. Let them use some of their pent-up energy by allowing them to chase butterflies or catch tadpoles. Bring a clear jar to catch ladybugs or minnows, then after a short time observing and learning to appreciate little creepy-crawlies, help your kids return them to the place they found them. Getting your son or daughter to appreciate nature and our aquatic resources will help them grow to become responsible lovers of the outdoors.
• Do you want fries with that? Lots of kids today believe that dinner comes in a nicely wrapped, colorful package from the fast-food place around the corner. But when you let them help you cook your catch, they begin to understand where our food comes from. As they
Help prepare and serve your feast, you’ll see the pride on their faces as the family enjoys the meal the kids helped bring to the table.
• Captain Kid. Fishing from a boat can be a particularly enjoyable experience, but one that requires a lesson on boating safety. Make sure your children always wear well-fitted life jackets. Take time to teach them the basics of how the boat works and how to drive it. If conditions allow, and with you right at their side, letting your son or daughter drive the boat in open water will be a thrilling experience for all!
The most important goals when taking your kids fishing and boating are to have fun and, above all, to spend family time together. Let your kids know how much you love them by setting aside a day to be with only them. They’ll love you for it. And the memories will last a lifetime.
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