Most anglers you talk to have a favorite spot where they like to go opening day. Well-stocked streams can have an angler catching the limit in short order when conditions are right. And that’s ok. However, in most cases opening day is a fun day. And for kids the season opener is important. After all, it is on days like these that memories are made. But with so many good days of fishing yet to come, don’t let the first day be your only day.
With so many good days left to fish this season, consider taking your kids, along with any other kids you can find. A number of studies are bringing home the point of just how important it is for kids to begin fishing at an early age.
More than 80 percent of today’s freshwater anglers took up fishing as children. All of which proves that if a boy or girl isn’t introduced to fishing by the time he or she is 13, the chances are good that they’ll never take up the sport. There are exceptions of course. But in general, the fact still remains that kids need to be introduced to fishing at an early age.
Today, with so many single-parent families it may seem difficult to introduce kids, let alone a new parent, to the sport. It’s not that difficult to get started. However, when kids are involved there are additional considerations to be considered.
One of the first things to keep in mind when working with kids is to have fun. Don’t worry about technique or being concerned about catching fish. To a young angler catching a small bluegill or crappie can be just as exciting as landing a trophy trout.
Keep it simple. Make your fishing outing fun. Kids can only take in so much information at a given time. The more complicated the experience becomes, the more frustrated they will get. Forget about fancy equipment. After all, your child just wants to spend time with Mom or Dad.
Also make the time spent fishing an adventure. Even if the fish aren’t biting, you can still have fun. It all can start with digging worms and planning where you want to fish. Even stopping for breakfast before going streamside can be part of the outing.
Use reliable equipment. Sometimes adults can become more frustrated with their kid’s equipment than the kids themselves. That’s not a good situation. There are a number of spincast rod and reel combos that work great as starter outfits for a young angler.
Before you go streamside, check the weather forecast. Go prepared for what the weather has to offer. Also, find a spot that has easily accessible restrooms. And by all means don’t make the mistake of forcing the child to fish for hours on end. Sometimes a youngster will be happy fishing for a half hour or so, then they will play at streamside. Remember, being there is half the fun.
So what should you do when a fish is caught? First thing to remember is don’t force him or her to take it off the hook or to touch the fish. Do it for them, because there are times when it is best to show by example.
Quick success can be important. With youngsters, a little success early on will hook them for a lifetime. So, as you plan your fishing outing, make it a point to find some spots where you can readily catch fish. Kids don’t care about the size, but they do like to catch fish.
As for fish safety, regardless of where you fish, water needs to be respected. Show your children how to conduct themselves safely around water, in a boat or on the dock. Use your fishing outings to teach and rehearse what they need to know if they do get into trouble with water. Also keep a first aid kit at hand just in case.
It’s also important to share your knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors. Take the time to observe other creatures such as birds, ducks or squirrels. Talk about the outdoors. By doing so you will begin building an appreciation of the outdoors with your child.
Capture the memories. Whether your child sticks with fishing or not, only time will tell. But for now, what matters is capturing the memories so they have something to share with their friends and family. Take plenty of photos.
Save any other little reminders such the sales receipt for their gear or any other item that is reminiscent of the youngster’s first year of fishing. Take photos of their first catch and have it framed, even if they hooked a tree limb. The keepsake will be cherished for a lifetime.
Finally, fishing is an excellent opportunity to teach kids how to be kind, caring adults. Children imitate the adults that they love and respect. So show them your best and make a good impression. Take the time to be with your children sharing in the excitement of the outdoors. You can bet your time will be well rewarded and will pay big dividends in years to come.
Want to know where the most recent or future stocking of trout will take place? A complete trout stocking schedule can be accessed at http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking
Streams within McKean, Warren, Potter and Elk counties are on the stocking list for the month of May. The site also includes stocking listings for the rest of the state.
Charlie Burchfield is a past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and the South Eastern Outdoor Press Assoc. To contact Gateway Outdoors the e-mail address is GWOutdoors@comcast.net