10 Easy Steps to Teach Your Kids Outdoor Fishing

Fishing is one of the recreational and economic activities that you can teach your kids. Not only is it a fun activity but also a learning opportunity for kids. It helps them to learn how to be patient and taking care of the surrounding. Additionally, it is a great chance for them to enjoy fresh air outdoors and take a break for electronic devices. If you need some essential tips on how to teach your kid outdoor fishing, this guide is for you.

1. Make Them Learn How to Fish Safely

Safety should be the first thing you teach your kids when teaching them how to fish. It is important that a child be taught to swim because they can save themselves in case they find themselves in danger. They should always wear protective garments near water, like life jackets. This is whether they feel comfortable with them on or not. Let it not be a choice. 

As an adult, make sure you are the one holding the fishing hooks and barbs. 

2. Find Locations

When going out for outdoor fishing, your main aim is to catch fish. Look for a place with plenty of fish as it will be easy for you and your kid to catch fish to your contentment. This is despite where you are fishing from, be it a boat or along the shore.

Research on these areas by consulting the local tackle shops. Let them observe the productive areas to help you know where to go and get your catch for the day. 

3. Be Ready

Get prepared for fishing before the event. This will enable you to pack all the necessities you need without leaving out a single one. You should carry these items;

• Fishfinder and other gear - One of the best ways in which you can make fishing successful is having a fish finder. This device is essential to help you and your kids determine the hiding places for fish, temperature, depth, speed and aqua structure among others.  Some fish finders have advanced GPS to help you know your boat’s location while on the waters. Other essential fishing gear you should carry include fishing rods, baits, tackle boxes, lures, and nets. 
• Bug repellants - This will keep you and your kids from being distracted by the flies when fishing.
• Raincoats - You may get caught in the rain while fishing, and a raincoat will prevent you from being wet and cold. Hypothermia is a risk even all year round.
• First aid kits - Carry the kit in case of an injury or an accident. This will control the situation before it gets worse.
• Sunglasses - You may not see under the surface of the water when the sun gets too high. Sunglasses will do for you as they provide shade for your view, and makes it easier to fish. 

4. Talk Tactics

Fishing being a practical lesson; your kids need to know the use of every fishing item you carry with you. Let them ask questions as they will always be curious about such issues. Allow them to do the same thing you just demonstrated to them to enhance a better understanding. With time they get to perfect all these fishing tactics.

5. Have Fun

There is so much fun in fishing as nature will entertain you. In as much as you are concentrating on fishing, make sure that you look around the scenic places. This gives a good feeling. Fishing gets to be more of a trip for you and your kids, irrespective of the number of fish caught.

6. Teach The Kids How to Play and Land

Playing and landing when fishing means that once your bait is taken, allow the fish to run for some time before catching it until the fish tires and comes to the surface of the water. Once the fish is caught, they should quickly land a fish where you are placing them. They can do it by themselves, or you can help them if they are experiencing difficulties when landing.

7. Use Artificial Baits

Artificial baits are more durable for fishing as compared to other baits. They include worm and minnow soft baits. If you want your kids to be into fishing, you may want to teach them how to reel a jig, hopping it for retrieval slowly. Kids will effectively use the jig if it is loosely hung under a small float.

8. Aim at Success

When fishing, your success is determined by the efforts you put while fishing and its outcome. The more the fish, the more the success. This will be guaranteed by the items your gear. Teach your kids to use simple and non-complicated bait and bobber. Their rod should also be light in weight for easy casting.

9. Cast Away

Since you are fishing with your kids, you should teach them how to do a sidearm cast over an overhead cast. Always ensure that your kid keeps the rod above the waist while bringing it back. Have them keep a stable posture from which they will swing the rod, ensuring their wrists move. 

Let the kids focus and point the target for a catch. Encourage them now and then show them that their efforts bear good fruits so that they won’t give up. This improves their fishing skills day by day.

10. Get A Grip

Your kids should know how to handle the rod when fishing. Tell them how the reel handle works and what they should do once the fish is caught. They may make mistakes, but it is okay with them as they learn and be corrected.

Conclusion

Teaching your kids how to fish will always bring you close to them, and the bond amongst you will strengthen. As you go fishing, you have a chance to teach your kids about nature and how to respect it. They will also learn how nature works.

Let the training be gradual. Allow them time to internalize every aspect they learn and copy what you have demonstrated to them. Let the kids have fun as they learn and observe the safety measures.