Lake of the Woods is renowned for it's fishing. We generally hear more often about those great Ontario fishing trips from the adult's point of view. Once kids get the fishing bug, they too will have great fishing stories to tell. Perhaps their fish stories may be more believable than those we might hear from an adult.
Fishing with your kids can be a relatively inexpensive activity.. no boat required. Fishing from shore allows kids to run and play when they need to, and gives them the option of fishing on their own when family and or friends are busy. What cottage parent wouldn't mind enjoying a cup of coffee on the dock while their youngsters dabble with a fishing rod.
Fishing gets the kids, and you away from everyday distractions. The relaxed atmosphere fishing provides is great way to create long lasting memories for both you and your kids. Be sure to keep a camera close by to capture that "big fish" moment.
Tips on fishing with kids:
Relax! Leave problems behind, and take along a smile, an open mind, and a lot of patience.
Do the basics first. Simple equipment in good working order will help avoid frustration. An inexpensive rod and reel, with live bait and a bobber, will get you off to a good start.
Fish for little fish. Catching fish is important; the size of the fish isn’t. Sunfish and other pan-sized fish are often plentiful and easily caught by beginners.
Make it fun. A fun, safe time is more important than the size or number of fish caught. Praise children for their patience, their cooperation, and simply for trying.
Teach skills... patiently. One challenge of fishing is mastering skills. Help kids learn rather than do everything for them. As they develop skills, their self-esteem will increase.
Help solve problems. Lines tangle. Hooks get snagged. Fish stop biting. By working with you to identify and solve these problems, children will be learning what they can try in the future.
Be flexible. If your child is just too excited to sit still with a bobber and live bait, change tactics. Try a lure they can cast and retrieve. Move up and down the shore looking for good spots.
Be responsible. You are a role model, so set a good example.
Share an awareness of, and respect for, the environment, private property and other anglers.
Don’t litter – leave the area as clean or cleaner than you found it.
Discuss the rules and regulations with your child, and follow them.
Properly release fish you aren’t planning to keep, and make good use of those that you do keep.
Don’t stay too long. How much time you spend will depend on the age of your child and whether the fish are biting. Be alert to signs of restlessness and don’t be afraid to cut your trip short.
Don’t make the first trip your last. Plan another trip. Talk together about what was fun and rewarding, or bad and boring, so you can make the trip even better next time.
Keep those promises. A promise to take a child fishing is as important as any other commitment that you make. Keeping that promise will strengthen your relationship.
Each child is different, and will respond differently to the fishing experience. Keep an open mind, go with the flow and, above all, have a good time!
If you don’t feel confident about teaching your kids to fish, a booklet called, Take A Kid Fishing – How to Have Fun and Catch Something, Too! , can be downloaded from the MNR website.
resource: Fishing tips MNR website
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