As a Kid, I used to love going fishing with my brothers and my dad. In fact, this was probably my favorite memory as a child growing up. Knowing we were in for new water bound adventures had us very excited. It was a treat to go out on the boat with the family. My brothers and I would also compete to see who could catch the most and the biggest fish of the day. My dad was always there to guide us on how to rig our rods, bait our hooks, and show us how to handle the many fish we caught. These are memories that I’ll never forget and always share with those closest to me, my family!
The act of fishing is always fun and exciting as you never know what you’re going to reel up on the end of your line. But, more importantly, there are valuable lessons to be learned while spending time on the water surrounded by friends and family. Fun fact, all kids LOVE fishing! While fishing often requires ‘Patience’, once you hook into your 1st fish, that’s usually all it takes to get you ‘HOOKED’.
Providing the opportunity to take a child fishing can be a challenge. Finding someone with a boat or the gear necessary to plan a fishing trip can be tough. The good news being, fishing can now days take place in environments that don’t require a fancy boat or expensive fishing equipment.
Fishing from land, a local dock, a bridge, a jetty, or even a kayak or canoe could provide many opportunities to catch a large variety of fish. Don’t worry as much about the fancy boat or expensive fishing gear, as it is more about the experience and spending quality time bonding with your favorite people (Family & Friends).
Life lessons are often learned while spending time on the water with friends and family. Make time for the kids in your life to ensure they share these learning experiences and life-long memories. Takes a ton of photos to document your fishing trips together so years later you can look back on the epic adventures you all created together.
Below, I’ve listed some simple approaches to planning
a fishing trip/adventure with the kids in your life.
• Make ‘fishing’ and the planning process FUN ! Perhaps let your child select the fishing spot or the lure/bait for that day.
• Focus on the kids you’re taking fishing, not as much the tactical side of Fishing (especially for 1st timers & young children). • Be very positive, patient, and understanding with the kids you take fishing as your coaching will have a lasting impact on how they develop as a junior angler (No yelling, screaming, or “I told you to do it this way”). Instead just re-rig and say, “we’ll get the next one” (with a smile on your face).
• Take plenty of snacks, treats, and drinks, as this will help distract children when the ‘Bite is Slow’. • Praise your child when they catch a fish, no matter the size or species. Let them know they did a Great Job after they successfully release the fish. • Create games while fishing (who can catch the biggest fish, who can catch the fish with the most spots, or who can catch the ‘most fish’ throughout the day). • Set simple challenges for your children like, “who can name this species of fish”? • Challenge your kids with finding/pointing out loose trash while on the water and around the boat ramp. Bring a gloves, an empty bucket, and trash grippers in an effort to help remove these unwanted pollutants. Explain to your children why it is so important to ‘Protect our Environment’. • Educate the kids you fish with on the surrounding environment, the tackle you’re using, and the fish you are targeting (identifying species of fish). • Set your children up with their very own tackle box, lures, and supplies (use barbless hooks and avoid treble hooks-Circle hooks are best and most Kid-Friendly).
• Invest in a ‘kid friendly’ fishing rod (very reasonable pricing for junior angler fishing equipment) • Teach your kids how to properly handle and release fish. Simply demonstrate this process. • Practice casting, tying knots, and rigging rods while at home to get your children excited about the upcoming fishing adventure. • Tune into a fishing report or watch a fishing show with your children to encourage ‘Best Practices’ while on the water. • Point out wildlife like manatees, dolphins, exotic Florida bird species so your children begin to better understand how an ‘Eco-system’ works. • Teach your kids about the tides, weather, and conditions as these factors all impact our fishing and adventures on the water. • If fishing from the boat, provide an understanding of the boat, how it works, safety features, and let them help with dock and anchor lines. • Encourage your children to complete a FREE ‘Boater Safety Course for Kids’. Set this up and arrange training for your children especially if your family and friends own boats. There are a variety of agencies and organizations that offer FREE ‘Boater Safety Courses for Kids’.
• Familiarize yourself and your children with current fishing regulations and local policy while on the water by visiting the Official FWC website https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/id/
• Get involved with your local community events such as, Kids Fishing Tournaments or Beach Clean-Ups (these are often FREE events). At the end of the day, getting to spend quality time with your children on or around the water, you will foster a true bonding experience. As we know, ‘Fishing’ is definitely more than the act of just catching fish. It teaches our children to appreciate the outdoors and value the environment we get to share with our best of friends and family!
Captain Marty Goldys
386-679-0317
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