Okay. Most
of us were kids at one time or another. Heck, some of us still
are. I mean, when given a choice between caressing
a sleek, smooth rod & reel combo for a day on the water or gripping a pen
for the express purpose of crunching numbers at work, which would you pick?
My
point exactly! Fact is, every angler has a little person inside who likes
fun and needs
to play with new toys. There are millions of us out there and hundred of
thousands joining the fun of fishing every year. We all had to start some
place.
For
me it was with my father on the Thames River in Chatham. Catch of the
day was carp.
A fish was a fish. It was fun and easy and I had a new rod and reel
to get the job done. My first outing was successful, exciting and
instilled in me
a passion
and anticipation for future fishing days. A lot of anglers can boast
of the same experience that has kept them anticipating a day on the
water no matter
what
season. Unfortunately, many thousands of aspiring anglers who want
to join the ranks every year, have frustrating and futile first days
of fishing.
Perhaps the day's weather was not opportune. The rod and reel dad bought
for them didn't
fit right or was too advanced for their dexterity. Maybe the instruction
from a relative or well meaning friend wasn't tempered with patience
or was so technical
as to be overwhelming. Whatever the reason, that first day for many
anglers has
become their last. Another angler lost. Over the last several years
I have supervised kids' fishing camps and it has been marvelous to
see the faces
of eager boys
and girls, wanting to digest the newest products in fishing and learn
information that could help them beat dad, mom, grandparents or friends
in a day's catch.
The following is basically what I teach at these camps.
First and foremost,
kids want to have fun. Let's not lose sight of that. Attitude is
key to a good day,
for teacher and child. What I suggest is to create some anticipation
for the first days by talking a lot about fishing. Perhaps rearrange
your tackle
box
and talk with your child about the many baits and associated stories
you have. You know, the one about the time when you and grandpa
caught the 3
pound bass
on that dinged up Canadian Wiggler that happens to be tangled with
the other old baits at the bottom of your box. The child listens
intently and pictures
scenarios of what could be on his or her first day. Find a pond or
other 'honey hole' that you know is teeming with fish. Bluegill,
carp, catfish
or the ever
present sunfish will do fine. In fact, these fish are preferred.
You want partners in this excursion and these fish seem to fit the
bill
perfectly.
Preferably,
a spot with little or no overhanging tree limbs will be available.
The idea is to make this adventure as hassle free as possible.
I would consider having
to
untangle or cut a line from the tackle eating tree as a great hassle.
Not to mention, it takes time away from fishing which is what you
are there for.
The
result of the overlooked tree limb is frustration, for you and the
child. While you're considering frustrations, consider insect repellants,
first
aid kits,
sunglasses, cap, drinking water, snacks, jacket, change of socks
or shoes, and sun block.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG . . . MOST TIMES WILL!
While
you are packing all this stuff, don't forget your camera. You
never know when
that Kodak moment
will happen. "Be prepared" is a motto I learned years ago in
Scouts. It's timeless. Now you are ready to fish. Let's hope
you have the right tools.
As any good
construction worker knows, the proper tools get the job done
easily, properly and hassle free.
The rod purchase depends a lot on your child's dexterity, size,
confidence and degree of expertise. I encourage parents with
'first time' kids in the
age bracket
of six to ten years of age to purchase a spincast rod and reel
of some description. The rod should be no more than 5 to 5 1\2
feet long. Younger children in
the three to five age group should stick with 3 1\2 to 4 1\2
foot rods. The child
should be able to control the rod when fishing and walking. You
have no idea how many times I've watched children carrying a
6 1\2 foot rod down the dock
only to have the tip find a crack in the wood or cement and shatter.
Problem is, the parent blames the child, but the parent bought
the wrong equipment.
Sure the child has to be aware of where he or she is going but
let's face it, most
of us don't have Stepford children. The tackle should be as basic
as possible; red and white bobber, small hook, worm or minnow.
It is more fun to watch
a bobber on the water than the boring end of a rod and you know
the child won't
hold the
rod for any length of time when the action slows. And the action
will slow down. It is at this time you have to make a decision.
Do you leave, having
already
caught some fish and totally enjoying the hassle free hour, or
do you stay, tough out the half-hour lapse in action, hoping
to have your child catch
that first
day trophy? Answer? Leave while the gettin's good. The attention
span has been stretched to the max and now the bug crawling up
your pant leg has become
more
interesting than the fishing. Don't force your child to pay attention
to your angling words of wisdom. Let me tell you this . . . 50%
don't care and
85%
will tell you to catch the fish yourself since your so darn good.
Serves you right!
The child's 'first fish'
was his or her trophy fish. It will always stay with them not because
it was big but because it was
fun and happened when
you were
there.
Take a kid fishing. It's the best learning experience you'll
ever have.
Fish on!
Tom Morrison,
Sportfishing Education & Promotion
home office phone: 1-519-776-4261
home office fax: 1-519-776-9715
E-mail: mtm2002ca@yahoo.com mt.morrison@sympatico.ca
Essex County Outdoors website: Tom
Morrison
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