How To Get Your Kids Excited For Fishing
It's a tale as old as time, a fisherman and their kid out on the water bonding while casting their lines for the perfect catch. But getting kids excited about fishing can be a bit of a challenge, especially if they've grown up in an age where technology and video games have taken over their days. However, with a few simple steps, you can turn your children into enthusiastic anglers!
Get Them Equipped
First things first, make sure your kids are properly equipped. This means having the right-sized rod and reel, comfortable clothing, and any additional safety gear they may need. Sometimes a new reel with a fun color or theme can make the process feel more like a special event for them.
Also, ensure that your children have a full understanding of how to use their equipment safely before you head out onto the water. This might include showing them how to tie knots, cast out their line, and reel in a catch, but it might also include safety information if you'll be out in a boat.
Pick The Right Spot
Next, be sure to pick an ideal spot for fishing with kids - somewhere with accessible shorelines and plenty of shade. If you plan on fishing from a boat, make sure to pick a spot with calmer water that's away from any swift-moving rivers or known to get rough if the wind picks up. No one wants to get seasick or wet on their first fishing trip!
You should also consider the atmosphere of your chosen spot. Will the kids be able to find interesting wildlife and sea life in the water? Are there any nearby activities they can do between casts? Fishing is all about patience, which means having something else to distract them when their attention starts to wander.
Make It Fun
Fishing can become dull to children when the bite slows down, so it's important to make sure your kids are having fun and staying engaged. Let them choose their own bait, play some silly games while waiting for bites, tell tall tales about which fish they think they might catch, or practice casting techniques to keep them involved.
Make sure to bring along some snacks and drinks for the journey. Kids are always excited about a special treat, and it might make the difference between a good day and a great one.
Create special lures for the adventure
Producing their own soft plastic baits can help introduce excitement into their fishing experience. Angling Ai offers several lure molds that new young anglers can easily fish with and enjoy. Panfish molds include the crappie minnow
, two-inch single tail grub, and others. Saltwater enthusiast can introduce their fisherman to the Cali Grub or the Action Worm series of molds to fish under a popping cork.
If fishing for Bass is on the agenda for the young hook setter, the “Original Core Shot Stick Bait Mold” is a must. Making lures using any of these molds will not only create memories on the water but will increase your time spent with your loved one as well.
Safety is a factor that you do not want to ignore in bait-making. Make sure you are creating your lures in a well-ventilated area before starting. For smaller, younger anglers, allow them to pick the colors and glitters they may want to use. Asking them if they like what they see or if adding more color or glitter would be nice. Talk to them as you follow your procedure and make baits their way. Older anglers can assist with mixing the plastic, but make sure they have on long sleeve clothing, shoes, gloves, and eye protection. Take precautions so that accidents are prevented, and no one gets burned by hot plastic.
After your baits are made, discuss what the bait's appearance is like and why they think the bait will be effective. Talk about how the lure will move in the water and what it might appear to be to the fish as prey. By communicating with the young angler, a lot of learning can take place. The more a person understands about an interest, the more passionate an individual will become. Remember, you could be making an investment in the child's future and providing them with memories to last a lifetime.
Catching It All
At the end of the day, remember that fishing is supposed to be fun. As long as you take the time to engage your kids and make sure they're enjoying themselves, you'll have no problem getting them excited about their next angling adventures.
Fishing isn't something you can master in an afternoon, so don't expect them to be experts by the time you've headed home. Keep the experience positive and discuss any mistakes in a gentle manner, as this will set them up for success on future fishing trips.
So what are you waiting for — head out there and start bonding over the perfect catch!
