By Greg Wagner
For children, the natural wonder about water and the love to play in it has always been there. Creatures that swim (as any adult who has taken kids to an aquarium can attest) fascinate kids.
Obviously, with fish, comes fishing, and fishing is fun!
Recreational fishing is easy to do, easy to learn, easy to teach your children or grandchildren, and does not involve a lot of expensive equipment. It is also the perfect avenue to teach kids about the value of water and our aquatic ecosystems. Recreational fishing also builds respect and responsible behavior along with creating lasting memories with family or friends.
People ask at what age a young child should be introduced to fishing. My answer is as young as possible and when they and you are ready to do that.
Keys to Taking Kids on a Successful Fishing Trip
Safety
Safety should be your highest priority when taking kids of any age out fishing. Be mindful of the dangers of being on, in or near the water. Monitor children closely. Wearing a life jacket is necessary for everyone in a boat. For young children, life jackets should be worn along steep, slippery banks. Watch the rod tips, too, because they can poke eyes. The other big safety concern while fishing is hooks. That risk multiplies when a number of people are casting. For older kids, spinnerbaits are great for casting as the hook is less exposed. Avoid casting with treble hooks until the kids have more experience.
Guidance
It is best for us adults to leave our own fishing gear at home, especially for a child’s first several fishing trips. Please know that adults 16 years of age and older assisting youngsters engaged in fishing will require a Nebraska fishing permit. On the water, be prepared to tie knots, rig gear, bait hooks, and even make some casts. You may have to take a fish off the hook when your child lands one, but let them know they can touch the fish and lend a helping hand at any time. Be sure to let your child reel in the fish, which is the real cool part of fishing!
Patience & Positivity
Be patient, listen to your child, and enjoy spending time together! Additionally, try to make the entire trip an adventure. Your child may enjoy all of the little things, the little details that go along with fishing—preparing the boat, buying the bait, eating a picnic lunch, dipping their toes (or shoes) in the water, chasing a turtle, exploring the great outdoors—just as much as they love learning to fish.
Making it Count
Make the first experiences count! The first few times going fishing with a youngster are crucial ones. If a child has a bad experience, it may take a lot of effort to overcome those anxieties and negative thoughts. Again, make it fun and keep those fishing outings short. Do not be afraid to stop for the day if your young one starts to get bored, the bugs are bad, or the weather is not good. Having playground equipment and bathrooms nearby is always a good idea as well.
Simplicity
Keep it simple! Set up a simple small hook (preferably a barbless hook) with an earthworm on it, small steel weight and a small bobber. The bobber serves as a visual on the water and can help keep a child’s attention. Basic medium or light action equipment with smaller reels and shorter rods will serve your youngster well.
Abundant Fish Species
Fish for action! Fishing for abundant species that a child is most likely to catch, no matter the size, will keep their attention and provide them with the incentive to continue fishing. Attention spans for young children are short, about two to six minutes for toddlers, according to childhood experts. These experts also say to not plan on spending more than 30 minutes overall with any outdoor trip. Keep in mind some of the easiest known species to catch repetitively from shore are bluegill, green sunfish, black bullhead, channel catfish and largemouth bass. These fish live in a variety of waters and are not difficult to find.
Demonstrations
Young anglers need a great deal of help determining how to use fishing equipment. Demonstrate to them how rods and reels work and give them plenty of chances to practice. Understand that things will go awry. Probably the biggest mistake that kids make when fishing is not keeping a tight line while playing a fish. Encourage them to keep their rod tip up. Also, be sure to check the drag on the reel so they can manage a bit larger fish if they catch one.
Fun & Adventure
Keep it about the kids! If a child decides to play on the shore, let them! Get their feet wet, float sticks, or seek out frogs. It is all about them having fun and adventure! Teach them about fisheries conservation such as how to properly catch and release a fish as well us picking up any litter found along the bank to be disposed of or recycled in appropriate receptacles. If you bring a fish home, explain to your child or grandchild that they are only bringing to the kitchen what is allowable and what they can eat.
Preparedness
Bring enough items so that you are prepared for all kinds of weather, and distractions if fishing gets difficult or the kids get bored. Sunscreen and insect repellent for children are musts. Don’t forget drinking water. Snacks and snack breaks can do wonders for very young anglers. Crackers, cheese sticks and cut up fruit all fit the bill. Sure, we want kids to eat healthy, but I’m not against making the outing special by bringing a favorite treat or stopping by an ice cream shop on the way home.
Take along what you think will help make the fishing experience comfortable and enjoyable. Towels, wet wipes and Band-Aids should be packed. Include your Android or iPhone for photos. In all seriousness, a positive, but patient attitude is probably the most important thing to bring with you. Just remember your enthusiasm for fishing is contagious!
Community Fishing Events
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission hosts community fishing events to teach children and their parents or grandparents about the fun of recreational fishing. These events, held mainly during early evening hours at various locations around the state, feature trained instructors and provide loaner equipment plus free bait for all to use during their time on the water.