Introducing children to fishing

We all know the pressure facing parents these days when bringing up children. For those who fish, you will know what I mean when I say it gives an undescribable release from day to day issues and and gives you a fantastic appreciation of how good life is and the beauty of the world we live in. I believe that by introducing your children to fishing allows you to teach your children a good appreciation of life without saying anything. It pretty much will speak for itself.

However, I feel that there are a number of key issues, you as a parent, need to be aware of to make it an experience for a child to go fishing and not a total bore.

1. Always take them to a place where you know they will catch a fish. Jettys, or bait grounds if you fish from a boat are the best. It is important that they experience very quickly the enjoyment of feeling a fish on that line. It does not have to be a big fish or even edible. 

2. When the children fish in the early stages, you don't. Allow yourself be be there for them 100% as there guide and mentor. You are always ready to activate enthusiasm and guard them from letting loose with an out of control bait jig. The earlier they catch a fish, the quicker they will learn important rod and reel handling traits. Let them figure out their preferred handling of their rod and reel. Making them do it any other way will frustrate them. Give them a good insight into some of the dangers a tackle box can have with respect to sharp hooks/lures and knives. Try not to overload them with to much technical stuff such as knots and rigs. At the early stage, they just want to catch a fish and believing you know it all, will trust that what you give them will work.

3. Involve them in every aspect of fishing right down to caring for the equipment and even involving them in choosing the equipment they will use. Select the gear for them that makes handling easy. There is little need for the child to master any casting. That will be something they will learn much later. 

Fishing safely

Whenever you go fishing, your personal safety should be your main consideration. The following tips should help make sure that each of your fishing trips is a safe one.

• Always fish with a partner, preferably an adult.
• Always let someone at home know where you are going fishing and approximately what time you will be back.
• Learn to swim. Fishing involves being on or near the water so it makes very good sense to be able to swim.
• Take care with sharp knives and hooks.
• Avoid steep and unstable banks.
• Keep an eye out for snakes when you are near inland waterways.
• Be careful and sensible at all times. No fish is worth putting your well being in danger.
  
  

Reducing damage to fish

If the fish to be released must be handled out of water, reduce damage to the fish by:

• using a net without knotted mesh
• retrieving fish as quickly as possible
• using wet hands or a wet cloth, and a minimum of handling to ensure they have a good chance of survival
• avoiding hot dry surfaces, and wetting any surface on which you place the fish
• prior to release, hold the fish gently and move it forward to force water through its gills until it has revived and is able to swim normally.