My husband's new and latest hobby is...fishing, which I also used to do a lot with my grandpa growing up. And we thought that yesterday would be the perfect time to make it a family affair by taking our kids on a day out on the reservoir. A fantastic and fun sport for both the kids and parents that promotes family time. And it was just so nice to be able to enjoy the fresh air, learn about the environment, and even develop some patience on all parts. Overall, an ideal hobby for the family, if done right. But there are also some things that I learned...
All About Location
Chose a place that isn't too long of a drive or walk. Kids get tired very easily, and if the walks are too long, they may be tired, hot, and unhappy by the time you get to the fishing spot to be able to truly enjoy fishing. Also, it's better to choose a spot where there's a lot of fish. Because preschoolers, or kids in general, just don't have the luxury of patience to wait a few hours to catch a fish or two. So it's important to keep them excited and involved by taking them where the action is.
The spot that we went to was perfect with a short (for us), 30 minute drive with a little off roading (which my son loves) and a mile walk down. He was a little tired and hot when we got down to the shore, throwing a bit of a fit, but the place was perfect enough to allow him to take a breather to swim, toss some pebbles,, dig in the dirt, and play in-between helping dad and uncles reel in the fish (or algae haha).
Time Your Trip
The length of time that you'll be fishing can be determined by your child. Some children may only be interested for a couple hours for their first times or, like my children, may love the outdoors so may not mind being out there all day (From 1 pm to 10 pm). But the important thing is to not turn what can be a new and exciting adventure into a grueling marathon for your kid. So if you're little one is not enjoying it after a bit, then it may be time to go. Also take into mind the hike back.
I decided to head back a little before my husband and his friends because the kids were getting tired, it was getting dark, and so that they could cast out a few more times. But I kinda messed myself up by leaving a little too late. By the end of our walk up it was dark and my son was way too tired. So I felt horrible dragging him up the steep hill in the dark. But we took some break, drank some water, and continued to walk when he was ready.
Hook, Line, and Sinker
There are a few different ways to get your kid involved with the fishing process. Since it was our son's first time, my husband and his friends cast out their own poles for my son and then helped my son to hold the rod. Letting him reel it in and get a feel for the fishing process. But we also plan on getting him a simple pole designed for little kids so that now that he has a feel for what fishing is, he can now do it himself (with us by his side of course).
Supplies
I am a big organizer, as you all know, so I like to make a list to check off with all of the supplies that we need. Stuff such as food (I took simple PB&Js, fruit snacks, granola bars, and extra snack stuff), water, sunscreen, bug repellent, band-aids, wipes, hand sanitizer, extra clothes, a camera, and a few toys (His baseball gear and toys) for a diversion. You may want to take some life jackets as well depending on the type of fishing and comfort level with your child swimming.
Also, don't forget to dress them appropriately. With clothes that are able to get dirty, shoes that can get wet, something not too hot, and shoes they are comfortable with and easy to walk in.
Patience, Patience, Patience
With doing anything with young children, it's inevitable that things will get a little wonk. It's all part of parenting littles. And while I'm one that struggles with patience myself, showing frustration is the wrong answer when introducing them to something new. Instead, it's important to teach them that mistakes are OK because it's all a part of learning.
Stay Safe
Water accidents are one of my biggest fears when it comes to my young children. So I decided to opt out on the fishing this time to keep a watchful eye of them. The water that we were at had a lot of spots with shallow water that the kids could swim comfortably at, so I kind of let them run wild in the water. And then with the rods, someone always stood with my son so that he never got tangled up or hooked himself.
Make It Fun!
The most important thing to remember to have fun with the outdoors! Make a big deal out of them being able to use the rod, teach them all about the plants and animals around them, let them get dirtier than dirt, and make the best out of it!
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