As adults, we often want to teach our kids about the things we like to do. But it can be hard to know when that kind of activity is right. Because children have shorter attention spans, it's hard to know when they're ready for certain things. People all over the world like to fish, and many parents can't wait to teach their kids how to fish as soon as they can hold a fishing rod. Fishing teaches kids to be patient and gives them a structured way to learn a sport that requires accuracy and safety.
The most important thing to think about when you take your child fishing is their safety. What sort of fishing do you want to teach? Do you want to spend the day bottom fishing? Do you want to fish from a pier? Are you going to go all out and take your kid fishing in the deep sea?
No matter what you decide is best, you should always have the most important safety items with you. A first-aid kit is a must if there are kids around, because accidents will happen. Children often get poked, scratched, and caught on things, so you should be ready. If you're going out into the ocean and away from the shore, make sure you have life jackets and that your child wears one, even if he or she doesn't want to get wet. When it comes to swimming, think about how well your child can do it. If you don't think they can swim well, you might want to keep your boat in the harbour.
Make sure to buy your child a tackle box and fill it up. The first tackle box a child gets should be small and easy to carry. The things in a beginner's tackle box are not hard to understand. A child only needs hooks that are already tied, bobbers, weights, swivels, and small scissors or fingernail clippers to cut their line. Many people think of their tackle box as a way to show who they are. Let your child see how it's done so that one day they can build their own to show who they are.
When you take your child fishing, make sure to show them how it's done. Teach them how to keep the line tight so they'll know what to do if a fish bites their line. Teach your child how to set the hook as soon as they feel a bite. Pull back on the rod to make sure the hook stays in the fish's mouth. Spend time with your child and teach them things like how to "play the fish." Man and fish fighting is part of what makes fishing fun, so let your child have the whole experience and not just a part of it.
If you want to teach your child to fish, it's better to start when they are younger than when they are older. Younger child have a greater absorption rate with a desire to soak up as much information as they can. Take advantage of the time you have with your child to teach them about catch-and-release rules and how to fish for food instead of just for fun. If your child wants to let the fish you catch go, make sure you know how to do it right. Depending on the child's age, cleaning the fish can either make them throw up or ask when the next trip is. Use your best judgement when preparing your catch for dinner.
When you go fishing with your kids, there will be good days and bad days. Kids often don't pay attention, lose interest quickly, or fall asleep at the worst times. Taking kids fishing for a day requires a lot of patience. Repetition will also help your child get used to the process as a whole. Take the time to connect with your child while fishing, no matter if you catch anything or not.
