Cultivate a Lifelong Fishing Buddy, Take a Child Fishing

By Mike Demick, Idaho Department of Fish and Game When a six-year old yells, "I got a fish!" the thrill of that one moment lives for days, sometimes years for both youngster and adult. Fishing with youngsters can provide memories for a lifetime. It provides a time to bond, talk, listen to their stories, ask them about their friends and interests, and share joyful experiences outdoors. But cultivating a life-long fishing buddy requires a little planning, patience and an understanding that it's less about catching fish and more about having fun. With Idaho's Free Fishing Day scheduled this Saturday, June 13, the Idaho Fish and Game encourages parents to keep a few things in mind when taking youngsters fishing to ensure a happy outing for everyone. Start them Young - Some parents think a child needs to be twelve or older to take them fishing. Actually, you can start by taking babies for short walks outside, along the lake shore or on a dock. Feeling and sensing the outdoors is the most critical step. Young children are fascinated with animals, so show them nearby songbirds, minnows, tadpoles and even insects. Keep it Short - Children wear out fast and have shorter attention spans than adults. Make a trip last about an hour per year of age. While a one-year-old has had all they want of fishing after an hour, the six-year-old might last half a day. For mixed ages, be prepared. Bring snacks and toys to occupy younger children once they become restless. Another important suggestion is to leave before they ask to. Always leave them wanting more, and they'll soon be begging to go again. Keep it Simple - There are many affordable children's rod and reel combos on the market for $6 to $15. Zebco and Shakespeare make combos to fit the smallest of children with Barbie and SpongeBob Squarepants outfits just to name a few. As children grow, they can get Spiderman or Batman and right on up the line. Think of fishing equipment as a gift for birthdays or Christmas. You can't beat a kid's combo with a tackle box full of tiny hooks, sinkers and bobbers to light up a child's eyes. Avoid Hard To Catch Species - Break youths in on easy-to-catch species like bluegill, perch, crappie, or hatchery trout. Idaho's Family Fishing Waters are great spots close to home geared for families and the likelihood you'll catch fish. These waters are easy to reach and the rules are simple. For a list of waters, review a copy of the fishing rules booklet or visit the department's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Don't Misinterpret "Success" - So what if you drop your tackle box and spill all the contents - or your toddler falls in a mud puddle? If you spend the day together and have just one moment of laughter, you've had a successful day. Never judge your success by the number or size of fish you catch. Cherish the memories you make everyday. Take Pictures, And Plenty Of Them - Get close-ups of a child who's got the giggles or even the one who's crying because the family dog ate his cookie when he wasn't looking. One of my favorite photos of a friend's daughter was taken when she was about five years old and had gotten the fishing line tangled, became impatient and started to cry. Rather than waiting for a smile, I took the photo and every time I see it now, I laugh. Slow Down and Be Patient - Set time aside for the children and devote every minute of it seeing to it that they are having fun. When a child makes a mistake, remember when you were in that same learning situation and how it felt. Don't Forget Safety - Especially life vests, sunscreen and sting kits. Remember to use life vests that fit snugly and wear them whenever around water. In Idaho, law requires all children 14 and under to wear an approved life jacket when in a boat 19 feet or less when it is under way or under power. This law applies to all boats, not just those powered by a motor, including canoes, kayaks, rafts and float tubes. Children can burn fast in the hot summer sun so go early or go late but avoid the heat of the day. It's also a good idea to take a few Band-Aids and even a sting kit for the occasional injury. Children grow up fast, so make it fun, be positive and treasure the time spent together outdoors. Most importantly, consider fishing with the kids as an investment with payoffs in the future. If you do this right, pay-back time will come years later when they take you fishing. Mike Demick is the conservation educator in the Clearwater Region.