You know that fishing is undoubtedly a part of the culture in the United States. And like most Americans, we all have a Grandpa or a diehard Dad who’s always eager to go outside and fish. While most of our vacations in childhood were spend retreating to an angling trip with our loved ones, we can relate to how fascinating it is to have a great fishing trip with the kids and family.
According to recent statistics, approximately 50 million people fled outdoors fishing in the US alone. That clearly shows the potential this country has for outdoor adventure seekers. You can say nature never fails to inspire if we spare it some time from our hectic office routine. Today we will explore how we can enhance our outdoor fishing trip so that you get most from your time with family and kids, and at the end of the day, you have some great stories to tell.
It all starts with a PLAN!
We cannot simply rely on the reputation of the place that guarantees a good trip. Imagine you're off to a fishing trip with family only to reach there after an hours-long drive with everyone already tired from the journey, only to find out that the place is already crowded, or the fishing spots are already filled. To the worst, there's no boat available to rent too.
Have a chit-chat at the dinner table and announce your plan for fishing next week. Take everyone’s suggestion and plan accordingly. It will include how long it will take you to get there, the tenure of your fishing adventure, which things you’ll take along, and lastly, what your children have to say about, and lastly, don’t forget to bring your child’s rod!
Start with a lake in a close call from your place. You can find most intimate to you by simply searching ‘Lakes near me’. If kids seem to enjoy it, you can plan more extended tours mutually. But it all starts with a discussion with the family.
Ensure Right Steps For a Great Experience
You certainly wouldn’t want to miss the swimming vest of your 8 years old child, or at the last moment, you find out that the string from your favorite rod needs a replacement. To avoid any such hiccups, make a list of items you need a week earlier and check them in advance before moving out. It is frustrating to schlep out to your fishing spot and realize you forgot your gear! Here are some quick fixes you must keep in mind before kicking off for a fishing trip.
• Ensure your Rods are working perfectly. Often after a season break, the strings loosen, or subpar reels need to be changed. A proactive action saves you time and energy.
• Don’t forget to take a vest for each individual in the family if you have them at home. Remember, the safety of your loved ones is your foremost priority.
• Pack in some snacks and drinks for the day. You see, nobody likes to fish with an empty tummy. Short snack breaks after an hour will keep everyone energized and motivated to fish enthusiastically.
• Think about what children may ask; it can be their favorite chocolate or the turkey sandwich you make at home. Pack them.
Engage Your Kids
The toddlers will enjoy strolling around in nature, playing and observing people. But for the grown-ups, firstly educate them about fishing a bit, introduce them to fishing magazines, watch fishing related videos with them and then engage them healthily in choosing baits, casting, reeling and To-Dos and Not's in the backyards. Then proceed to short inshore fishing, or pond fishing trips. It's when they have a basic how-now of what you're actually doing; they can accompany you to make a great fishing trip together.
They’ll learn by your example. Showing great attitude and being supportive towards your kid's mistake will boost their confidence. Wait and watch how they develop perseverance to catch that one auspicious species.
Don’t be the Trophy Hunter
So this is your second trip with the family, and you're expecting a Sturgeon or a Cutthroat Trout. Go home! Fishing isn't your sport, Man. Most anglers make a foolish mistake to think they're in some competition, and their ego might get hurt if they miss the biggest catch of the lake. That’s not the case here.
Give some time to your family to tell them about your fishing experience with Grandpa in your adolescence, they’ll love to listen to your story. Listen to them, and appreciate your kids when they express their emotions with while baiting, luring and jumping in-out of the water. It's an opportunity to reconnect with your family. Remember, it is about having fun outside with your loved one, Right?! Enjoy baiting for a Largemouth bass, Red fish or the Speckled Trout with the family, and in case you get lucky with a great catch, then it's a BIG CHEERS for you!
Fishing isn’t all about the FISH
But you know fishing isn’t just all about luring the tasty Halibut or Salmon. It is more than that. While you hop one place from another, cast again, find an even better place and throw in the bait with all might and tricks up your sleeves. You're fighting off all work-related stress and giving your body an excellent strenuous workout. But above all, this teaches PATIENCE.
Some days you’ll return with buckets full of Cods, Trout; other days, you're not even lucky with a Panfish. It teaches your kids (you too) a lesson to appreciate the journey. Often despite all our efforts, things don't always turn in our favor. We must learn to enjoy each experience without labelling them as good or bad. Fishing shapes our character and attitude towards life.
“Fishing teaches patience at the end of rod and reel.”
Don’t Make Fishing a Math’s Class
It may be discouraging to not catch a fish, especially for the kids who just started out and to them, catching a fish is the primary motivation. But there are other ways to enjoy too. For instance, after an hour of casting, you can let them enjoy the winsome company of nature, or wander around the bank and chase butterflies, or collect the seemingly beautiful rocks they find attractive. Children are creative, and it's only when they're left on their own with little supervision they can do wonders!
When their rod gets strangled, offer them yours. When they look frustrated, help them understand what mistake they're making and advise them to take it as an adventure. Be a good example in front of your family and see how your hard work and persistence make out a great ANGLER one day.
Follow the Rules
Be it your favorite Daytona Beach, Orange Beach, Kenai beach in Alaska or any inshore beaching spot in a national park; there are some rules you must keep in mind. Make sure you follow the rules so that your fishing trip remains memorable. Tight Strings!!
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