Teaching Kids to Love Fishing

Fishing is one sporting activity that encourages kids to get outside and discover the wonders of nature. While it does take time to successfully learn how to fish, all it takes is reeling in a big one for the first time to spark a lifetime interest in outdoor pursuits. Whether your child is begging to cast a line or you want them to develop an interest in one of your greatest passions, use these tips to help them learn how to love fishing just as much as you do.

Choose the Right Location

Avid fishermen all have their favorite spots to head to when they want to catch a fish. Choosing the right location increases your child’s chances of catching a fish, and it also gives you reassurance that your child is safe. For example, learning how to fish at the lake at your child’s summer day camp allows your child to benefit from instructors who emphasize safety and are familiar with where the best fish are caught. Once your child gets the basics there, you can reinforce their day camp lessons by checking out local streams and lakes near your home.

Make Fishing a Social Activity

Adults often welcome the quiet and solitude that fishing provides. However, kids will sometimes find this boring and quickly turn to other activities to satisfy their need for socialization. For this reason, fishing lessons for kids tend to go better when they are in a group. Try to avoid hushing your child as you fish together, and consider providing them with opportunities to fish with other kids their age who get excited about feeling a grab on their line.

Turn Lessons Into a Discovery Opportunity

Children are naturally inquisitive, and those who love science and nature are bound to have tons of questions about their new hobby. Help your child look up the answers to things such as the differences between a trout and a bass. You can also experiment with different types of bait to see which one works best. Talking about the life cycle of fish, where they like to hide and their predators all help to pique your child’s curiosity about fishing while also teaching important science lessons.

Celebrate a Successful Catch

Whether you are planning to eat fish for dinner or just like to fish for sport, it is important to make a big deal when your child reels in a fish. Keep in mind that it does not matter how big the fish is when your child is simply working on learning to make a catch. When your kid pulls in a catch, keep your camera ready for a picture that proves it wasn’t just a fish story. You can even start an album that your child can use to display their future catches. Then, provide them with plenty of praise, and keep up those fishing lessons.

Fishing with your kid is a great bonding opportunity that allows you to enjoy knowing that your child is learning about science and the outdoors. As with any new sport, make sure to keep things interesting by practicing in different locations and involving their friends. With just a little practice and the right environment, your kid will be grinning with excitement as they reel in a successful catch.

Let your kids enjoy summer camp fun at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://maplewoodyearround.com/summer-camp/summer-camp-activities/  to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.