What do you do if you don't fish but your kids want to learn?

I recently received the following email from a friend and it got me thinking (keep the jokes to yourself):

"....Have you seen the two pictures I posted recently? I got the boys rods and we've been out twice. The first time we went fresh water and they caught a leaf, a branch and a great time. Pretty much the same when we went to the ocean on Sunday. maybe we should head out with you sometime...ever take your boat to CT?...."

Truth be told, I'm not sure if my friend is an avid angler or not but his email made me wonder, what would you do if your kids wanted to go fishing and you didn't know the 1st thing about fishing?  Fishing is not something that most folks start as adults.  Most learn from a parent or grandparent before the age of 16.  I'm all for growing the sport of fishing and getting kids out there is key.  So, your kids want to fish but you have no idea where to start?  Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Make it fun!  Fishing is not always about catching.  Having a good time with your kids is way more important.  And from my friends email "they caught a leaf, a branch and a great time" it sounds like he's doing exactly the right thing.

2. Go Local:  When outfitting your kids with the appropriate fishing equipment head to the local tackle shop (ie if you don't know what to get already, don't buy online, or from a Walmart, etc).  Your local tackle shop owner, a dying breed, will most likely give you and your kids all the info you need to catch fish.  If he doesn't he's not doing his job!

3. Keep it short: The average attention span of a 5 year old is about 15-25 minutes so keep your first outings short and sweet

4. Go catching not fishing: The look on your child's face when he or she catches their first fish is priceless.  Go to a place where you are guaranteed to catch fish.  (see # 2.  If you don't know where to go your local tackle shop owner will).

5. Get guided: If your child is a little older and you have the means, book a fishing guide.  Fishing guides fish for a living and should be able to get you and your little one on fish.  Start with a half day.  4 hours for a kid is a LONG time.

6. Email me: if you have made it this far and still have questions, email me or join your local fishing forum or club and start asking questions.  Fishermen for the most part are very helpful. 

Now, go fishing!

Comments

[Rob Woods]

We're lucky where we are in Vancouver. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC runs a regular learn to fish program. A couple of hours of classes then fishing in stocked ponds. If you're a newbie they even teach you how to tie a clinch knot. Took my 6 y.o. and she had fun. Good way to get kids interested.