How to teach kids to fish
Fishing and Children. They just go together, like chocolate and peanut butter, or Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer fishing on the banks of the grand Mississippi River with their cane poles. I have lots of pleasant memories of my dad taking me out fishing in our boat, or off the dock at the lake. Something just magical happens when kids fish. Their eyes light up, you can see the excitement build, and then they get that jolt from the fish and that explosion of squeal and laughter. To make an enjoyable outing follow these simple steps and you and your kids will have a fun and safe time fishing.
Fishing Pole
Teaching your kids to fish can seem like a never-ending battle. It is easy to lose patience when they are all bouncing around losing interest. The key is to make it fun for them. It doesn't have to be exact science, and all complicated and everything. An inexpensive children's pole works well for their first adventure, and then can graduate to Shakespeare poles.
Tackle
Many stores carry small tackle boxes for children and are already stocked with tackle and some even come with a pole. You don't need thousands of items for every occasion known. Granted you might need to supplement the tiny tackle box with some extras, such as hooks, bobbers, sinkers, and pliers. Now they have their own stuff, and are proud of it, carting it around and guarding it. Also, most of the time, children won't need fishing licenses, but the adult will. Check with your local State Fish and Game or Sports shop to secure the correct licenses needed. Safety
They may not like it, but it's the first thing they should be taught, and that is how to be safe. If your child can't swim, they should have a lifejacket on at all times when fishing. You can make this fun for them by getting a Dora the Explorer or Transformers lifejacket. Another form of safety is watching out for others when casting, hooks really hurt when they get under your skin, and to not hit others with their pole. Small kids should be supervised closely. Older kids need to be aware of the dangers that water can cause and that it is important not to joke around when on a jetty or pier. Baiting your Hooks
Probably the best way to show your child to put a hook on their line is to show them the standard fisherman's knot. Feed the hook through the end of the line leaving excess. Feed one end of the line through the other making a circle. Now instruct them to twist the line approximately eight times and then knot it off. The hook should be nice and secure. As we all know many kids get a little squeamish and think it is really gross and icky when it is time to bait the hook. Just show them how really easy it is and that there is nothing to be afraid of. The best and most secure way to bait their hooks is to show them how to take one end of the worm and slide the hook through it until it comes out the other end. This will cover the entire hook. Another way is to pierce the worm's body in several places on and off the hook, which will leave the worm dangling in several places. Casting
There's a technique and rhythm to casting a line out over water. You need to bring the rod back over your shoulder and then whip it forward, releasing the reel's catch at the same time. This causes the line to fly out, taking the hook and weight with it. For the first few casts, do it without attaching a hook to reduce the likelihood of them catching themselves.
Hooking a Fish
Possibly the most difficult part of fishing. Sometimes a fish will oblige you by biting down upon the hook and catching itself. However, more often, they nibble on the bait and to catch them you have to judge the moment right and then give a slight pull on the rod, causing the hook to make contact with the fish. If the fish starts putting up a fight, it is best that you help them so that they don't break the line or get frustrated. And have the net ready. Unhooking and Releasing your Fish
Unless you plan to turn the fish into dinner, then it's best to release it safely back into the water. That way it can go on to have babies and increase your chances of catching fish in the future. With fish stocks low in some cases, this is more important than ever. Cleaning Up
As the teacher it is important to teach kids to respect nature and others by not leaving any hooks lying around or spare line that might injure the local wildlife. It is also important to bring a trash bag to place any garbage from you or left over from others. If you forgot one put the trash in your tackle box so when you get to a trash can you can throw it away. Also it can be fun to throw any spare fish bait for seagulls and watch them swarm on the beach and fight over the scraps. Conclusion
Remember above all else that your child won't learn everything you are trying to teach them all at once. You must stay consistent. If your child isn't interested, don't force it. Fishing isn't always for everyone. If they do like it, then take them as often as you can. Positive hobbies such as fishing can help build a child's self esteem. Did I miss Something ?
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Some Links of Interest
- Alaska Fishing Blog
- A blog with news and information on Alaska Fishing, and Alaska Fishing Lodges
- Alaska Fishing Lodge Directory
- A directory of Alaska Fishing Lodges
- How to Choose an Alaska Fishing Lodge
- Describes how to Choose an Alaska Fishing Lodge that would it you the best
- What to wear on an Alaska Fishing Trip
- Details what to bring and wear on an Alaska Fishing Trip
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by thetoolman_01
Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska has been my favorite pastime for the last 15 years.
I love sharing my knowledge about Alaska Fishing Lodges, where... (more)
I love sharing my knowledge about Alaska Fishing Lodges, where... (more)
