Teaching Children to Fish

Sport fishing can be a wonderful and enjoyable activity for the whole family. Whether you’re camping or just going fishing for the day, bringing the kids along provides bonding opportunities and passes the hobby along to the next generation.

Still, teaching kids to fish can be a challenge. You want to make sure they have a good time, so that they’ll want to do it again. You want them to be successful, and you want them to learn.

Here are some things to keep in mind when teaching kids to fish:

• Start out somewhere well-stocked. If a child is going to be interested in fishing, she needs to experience some success early on.
• Help and instruct your child, but don’t do it all for her. Show them how to tie a lure, and let them try. If they get stuck, help out until they can get themselves.
• Make your child comfortable. Dress him in layers, in case the temperature drops or rises. If you’re fishing on a boat, make sure there are seat pads for him to sit down.
• Share your success with your kids. If you snag a large fish on your line, ask the kids to help you reel it in.
• Keep it active. Children get bored easily. Make sure there’s something for them to do, and somewhere for them to stretch their legs. Fishing from a pier or from the shore is often the best way to do this. Make sure there’s food and drink, as well.
• Keep it safe. Put life jackets on your child if you’re out over the water. Bring a first aid kit for those fishhook accidents.
• Be patient. Like with any other time you teach a child something, you’re going to have to be patient while the child works through it. Try not to criticize her, but guide her gently instead. Praise her for listening and for following your instructions.

Keep these few principles in mind when you take your kids fishing and you increase the likelihood that everyone will have a good time, and that your kids will develop an interest in fishing.