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Weekends with my parents were often spent in Malibu, soaking up the warm California sun while my father fished off of the pier. My father enjoyed the sport of fishing because of its emphasis on patience and persistence and the overall tranquility generated. When my son was old enough to understand the basic concepts of fishing, he asked his grandfather to take him out on a boat so he could learn and immerse himself within the sport of fishing. One of the more difficult aspects of loss is the plans that will never be…the memories that won’t be shared. Which is why I resolved to take my son fishing as soon as an opportunity arose.
He’s been asking to fish since my father was alive, yet the busyness of life has precluded such an outing. But moving to a neighborhood within walking distance of a lake means I no longer have an excuse not to take my son fishing. Our community recently hosted a fishing derby and this was the perfect opportunity to teach my son the basics of fishing. With some basic starter equipment, live bait, and patience, my son caught his first fish and could not be peeled away from that lake. If you’re looking to take up the sport, here are 5 tips for Fishing With Kids.
1. Be Equipped: I don’t pretend to be an expert on the sport of fishing, but having observed my dad successfully catch fish over the course of his life, I remember his handful of essentials…those items required for success. Along with purchasing small fishing poles and tackle boxes for each of my kids, I also picked up essentials including extra fishing line, extra hooks, weights and bait at my local Walmart. You can also stay organized with this spacious, versatile Tackle System, available for just $39.96.
2. Start Small: Use the age of a child as a guide to how long he/she will stay interested during a fishing trip. Since fishing does require plenty of waiting, you might also have some smaller activities available to occupy the time while the fish bite.
3. Empower Your Child: Fishing is a very hands-on sport, and despite the fact that it can be complicated, how to properly bait and cast a fishing line is best learned by doing.
4. Use Live Bait: Baiting a fishing line can be tricky, requiring precision, skill and boldness. One of the easier baits to work with include worms which are affordable and readily available. Since fish tend to bite on living bait, the results are typically favorable, especially if you’re fishing in a lake or pond.
5. Know When to Stop: You can’t easily separate a true fisherman from his sport, but young children don’t necessarily have the patience and endurance for a full day out on the water. Stopping while your children are still enjoying the day, ensures that they will want to continue learning and refining their skills.
Do you love to fish with your kids? Visit Walmart.com for all of your fishing needs.
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