Teaching Children To Fish Safely

Fishing can be a ton of fun for children and a great sport to participate in as a family. It is important, however, that children learn to how to fish properly and safely. Here are a few tips for teaching children how to fish.

The first step is to take your children out on a boat and get them used to it (the younger they are, the better). That way, they will not be afraid of the boat. You will also want to get them used to standing on the bank in a safe and secure manner.

Once your children do well in a boat and on the bank, it is time to purchase fishing rods for them. Most stores carry fishing rods designed for children that are relatively inexpensive. You will also want to purchase tackle boxes and hats (you don't want your children to suffer sunstroke or get sunburned).

Now that your children are outfitted, it is time to bring out the bait. Generally most boys will think the bait is "cool"; however, you may have to coax and reassure girls before they become comfortable touching the "gross" bait. It may not be a bad idea to try having them touch artificial bait first and then move on to the real thing.

Take your children into the backyard and have them practice casting the pole until they are able to do it fairly well. Make sure you teach your children to look around before they cast so they don't hit anyone who may be standing near them.

Once they have learned to safely cast, you can put a hook on the pole. If the child is small, you may want to put the hook on the pole for them. If the child is older, you may want to teach them how to safely put their own hook on their pole. Be sure you stress how dangerous the hook can be and how careful they need to be.

Now you're ready to go fishing for the first time! The first few times you take your children out fishing, don't try to fish yourself. You need to be able to give your children your complete attention. On your first few fishing excursions, try to go someplace like a stocked pond that you know will have plenty of biting fish. It is important that children actually catch some fish in the beginning or they will become bored and decide they don't like fishing.

When your children do catch a fish, make a big deal out of it. Lavish them with praise and take pictures. This will make fishing more fun and exciting for them. Once you get the fish, let your children watch you clean and prepare it. By doing this, they will gain a complete understanding of the fishing process and the reasons for fishing from beginning to end. Most of all, have fun!