Dedication to a thing instills the desire to see that thing carry on, forever and ever – and it does your heart good to see kids subscribe to your passion. For example, a teacher likes to see a kid with book striving to improve their reading skills. Any Dad who has ever played baseball gets a big kick out of seeing their child in little league. And when I see women fishing with kids, I get the warm and fuzzies knowing that those kids are likely to carry out the tradition that will keep them outside and on the water.

Women fishing with kids means that for that time the Play Station is put away, the hectic calendar is left on the refrigerator, and both woman and child are allowed to enjoy a pleasure much more organic than a video game or cartoon. Kids value quality time with their parents even more than “stuff”. They need fresh air more than they need television. And they need to grow their inherent connection to Mother-Earth as much as they need to grow their relationship with Mother-Mommy.

TIPS FOR FISHING WITH KIDS

• Prerequisite for this course; PATIENCE! Fishing is no more complicated than any other sport or pastime but needs to be approached with the goal of having fun as opposed to slaying fish. The last thing a kid needs is pressure to perform when the idea is to just have a great time. Anytime we teach a child to do something new it’s a good idea to use a pleasant voice, (no yelling), and a gentle touch. Just show them the basics and let them learn the intricacies as their skills evolve.
• Bring bug-spray and sunscreen. As with any outdoor sport everyone will have a better time if they aren’t swatting mosquitoes or suffering from sunburn.
• Keep it exciting! Kids will get bored if they just sit and wait for a fish to come around to their drowned worm. Yes, there is a lesson to be learned about patience in the very act of fishing, but show them how they can cast to different areas to catch fish and pretty soon they’ll be “reading waters” on their own.
• Gear them properly. Buy an inexpensive fishing pole, (under $15), featuring their favorite Disney character or super-hero and they’ll be anxiously fishing in the baby-pool.
• Bait is gross! Ain’t that cool? Most kids will love catching bait for a fishing trip as much as the trip itself. Digging up dirt for worms, searching for night-crawlers with a flashlight, and catching tadpoles or minnows with a net are big fun for children. Handi-wipes or a wet wash-cloth on hand the day of the trip is a good idea.
• Bring a snack! Women fishing with children, or doing anything that lasts for over an hour with kids, know that hungry kids are cranky kids. Bring pretzels, fruit, juice, raisins, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – and water!
• Teach them about safety. Remind them that when they cast any kind of hook they need to check behind them. Show them how to properly bait a hook and help them get fish off of their line without traumatizing their catch. Remind them of your rules about being around water.
• Clothing – think layers. Be prepared to go from shorts to a wind-breaker or rain jacket, and back again. Being too cold or too hot can end a trip just as the fish are starting to bite.
• Plan for bathroom breaks. Our little boys have an advantage here but know where the outdoor latrines are or bring a little shovel and educate your adventurers on leaving nature better than you found it.

When I see women fishing with kids I feel my heart swell. Our future fishing enthusiasts are today’s children!