If you want to introduce children to fishing as a hobby, there can be a lot of things to consider. Safety is one of the top things that you need to think about, but what else? As someone who fishes and loves to get my shoal of humans involved in activities, here are some things to think about before you introduce children into fishing as a hobby.
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Do you fish?
This might seem like an obvious question but a lot of people want to get their kids involved in activities that they don’t do themselves. The simple fact is, kids will want to do what they see their parents do. If you enjoy fishing, there is a good chance that your kids will want to join you. They will have watched you doing you casting your lines and reeling in those big fish, seeing the joy it brings you. You have probably had to tell them they can’t come with you on a fishing trip. However, if you don’t fish, you will have to learn how to do it all while you teach your kids the basics.
River or sea?
Depending on the age of your kids, you might want to think carefully about where you take them for their first couple of fishing trips. Some of my first trips were to a river in Ireland that wasn’t too deep and the waters were calm. This was to ensure I could be hauled out easily if I slipped. As I got older, and I met my husband, we took to sea fishing. Mainly because my husband was used to sea fishing and my Sea Cadet experience prepared me for boating in open water. To this day, my kids and my husband have never fished in a river. Where you take your kids depends on your own comfort zone.
What equipment?
If you have fished in the past, there is a good chance that your equipment is in good condition. Unless you have left it alone for years and aren’t 100% sure if you gave it a good clean the last time you had it out. When you do pass those items to your kids that you don’t want anymore, you will need to replace them with high-quality carp fishing rods, reels, bait, and accessories. If you don’t have anything, you can get them some child sized rods and nets to get them going. Once they have the hang of it, then you should start upgrading them to bigger and better equipment.
When are you going?
Take it from me, it is very different fishing off the side of a boat in the Mediterranean Sea compared to sitting at the side of a river in Ireland. Mainly because Ireland is freezing all year compared to the Med. When you do take your kids out for the first time, make sure that the weather is decent. You might have a blast of a time standing in the rain as you fish for trout in the countryside in the cold spring, but your kids won’t. Getting your kids out in good weather can make all the difference. Once they have gotten the hang of it and they are hooked, then you can suggest heading out when the weather is colder.
Can you handle the cost?
Fishing can be an expensive hobby and if you have a couple of kids that want to join you, you will have to kit them out. Of course. there is always the option of passing down those bits and pieces that you don’t use anymore, but eventually you might have to cough up some cash for some new kit for them. Fishing can be expensive, and if you have a herd of kids, they will all need to be kitted out. When it comes to the kids, you might want to have a look online for cheap or second hand items. I also like to let my friends know when my kids are taking up a new hobby, just in case they have some items collecting dust in the shed or garage.
When it comes to trying to introduce children to fishing, there are a few things to think about. But if you can navigate these new waters, you’ll have some little fisher friends for life.