Have Fun Fishing with Your Preschooler |
Summer's here and so is fishing. Fishing is a rewarding sport of fresh air, learning about the environment and the development of patience. It can be the ideal sport for preschoolers, if you introduce it in a positive way. There are a few things to look at for your fishing trip to be a success.
- the location
- time spent fishing
- children's physical limitations
- supplies
- safety and regulations
"I caught all my fish by myself!" says five year old Max, proud to show his catch of the day.
Find an easily accessible area. A short drive and a short walk is best to arrive to your fishing spot. Your goal is to introduce a great sport to your child. You don't want your child so tired when you get there, to be unhappy and unable to enjoy fishing.
During this introduction process, choose a spot you know there are fish. If possible choose a shallow area where tiny fish can be seen.
Preschoolers don't have the luxury of waiting a few hours just to catch a fish or two. If you want to keep them excited and involved you'll have to go where the action is.
The length of time spent fishing will be determined by your child's age. Be prepared to stay only as long as your child is interested, (maybe a half hour or so on your first outing). Don't turn it into a marathon. If after a while your child is running all over and isn't paying attention--it's time to go.
Claude, father of Alex,4, and Max,5, recalls his initial experience. "Our first fishing adventure was hectic. Alex was sitting quietly holding the rod with all his might and Max was fidgeting all over the place. I realize now I should have made two little trips, taking each child individually. Overall I thought it was fun and we did something together, that was my goal."
It will be physically impossible for your young child to hook the worm, cast the line and reel in the fish alone. There are ways to overcome these obstacles. You can cast for your child and then give your child the rod. You can also attach a sinker, then your child will only release the line straight into the water. When you'll be hooking the worm be aware of your reactions. Children are always observing you and your reactions. If you make it sound "ucky and disgusting" to hook on a worm, they'll become squeamish and won't want to touch try it. Chances are if you don't make a big issue out of it, they won't either.
Using a shoe lace or a piece of string you can attach the rod to an eyelet (on either the boat or dock) If a fish bites, and your child lets go of the rod, you won't lose it at the bottom of the water.
Make yourself a checklist to check off with your child the supplies you will need. Include items such as food, water, sunscreen, bug spray, first-aid gear, lifejackets and camera. Prepare a few "surprises", either candies or little toys (action figures, cars, crayons and paper...) to keep a child quiet for a few additional minutes.
Teach your child safety procedures such as lowering the rod and keeping it below the waist. To wash/rinse your hands after manipulating worms and fish-keep a supply of moist towelettes in your fishing box. Teach them to wear their safety jackets even if they're fishing from a dock. Another important rule is for the child to (try) stay quiet in the boat or on the dock, not to scare the fish away.
If it's possible clean the fish once you arrive at home. This way your child will not be left unsupervised near the water and it will be easier for you to clean the fish. You can also show them how to clean fish and the right way to dispense of the remains. It might be wiser not to let younger children deal with this aspect just yet.
"There are too many "fishermen" that just throw the remains anywhere but are not preoccupied with the environment side of the sport," says Claude. "Some docks are littered with empty worms containers, lids and other garbage. What example are they giving their children?"
There are many books and posters available on the subject of fish. The child can start to identify which fish is which. Is it a fresh water fish or a salt water fish? These are useful tools when you teach "catch and release". The thrill of catching fish but the fish are quickly set back out in the water. All states and provinces have their own regulations and you should know them before you go out for an adventure. Make sure you find out about the quantity of fish allowed for one day, which types you can or can't fish and do you require a fishing license? Does you child take part in your fishing license or does your child need one of their own? There are daily, and yearly licenses. Make sure you choose the right one for your needs.
The important points to remember are to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, be safe and be patient. Take pictures of your child with the prize catch. Make a big deal out of it. As your child's attention span gets longer so will you fishing trips. Pretty soon you'll be getting tired before your child.
(c) Marie-Helen Goyetche, all rights reserved
