If you are a parent, you know that time passes in a blink of an eye and you realize that your kids are not toddlers or teenagers anymore. You may also feel that spending quality time with them gets harder for various reasons.
Parents looking for activities to bond with their kids and wish to teach unique sets of skills, look for different options. Learning about fish for kids is not only a hobby but also a sport, a profession, and a skill that is enjoyable and teaches life lessons. The best thing about fishing is that it can be enjoyed at any age. No matter how young or old you are you can still learn to cast a line, bait a hook, and enjoy the feeling of excitement as you reel the fish in.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important reasons why fishing is the best learning activity for kids.
Respite from technology
Unfortunately, we live in a society offering fewer opportunities for kids to be in an environment with no digital sounds or flashing screens. When you teach a kid to fish, you unplug them from technology. Mobile devices and screens have become a big part of kids’ daily lives, but it’s essential for them to take a respite from technology. Fishing provides beautiful natural sceneries, sounds of nature, fresh air, and reflecting water that has therapeutic properties on kids’ mental health. Moreover, the feeling of fish biting the bait and hitting your line is something that technology cannot make them experience.
Patience
Every parent and fisherman knows that one of the most important things in life is patience. In this fast-paced life, when kids can get everything instantly through high-speed internet, it becomes tough for them to master the skill of patience. We will be honest that fishing can get frustrating for even adults who lack patience.
Sometimes you may catch a fish within minutes, but other days it may take a few hours or even all day before you reel in a fish. When kids wait on the water for a bite, sometimes even for hours, this allows them to learn that being patient and not giving up is the key to success. In the beginning, you will find them getting impatient but after a couple of trips they will build perseverance and patience which will be rewarded just like in real life.
Loss
It is also crucial for kids to learn that it’s not always about gaining something. You also have to be patient with loss or failure. You would not always walk away with a handsome reward during fishing, no matter how patient you are. Whether they practice catch or release or they have no luck in catching any fish, kids will learn the concept of walking away empty-handed yet gracefully. This experience will help them accept the loss and encourage them to keep trying not only in fishing but also in real life.
Problem-solving
We know that learning at school is extremely important, but some lessons in life are genuinely learned when we face a situation outside the classroom. Fishing exposes a kid to minor problems such as reading water conditions, untangling a line, selecting a proper bait for a particular fish, and the best time for fishing. Fishing gives a unique chance to analyze these components with your children and help them develop possible solutions. Learning the process of problem-solving will have far-reaching effects on the child’s mental development.
Respect and know food source
Many young kids and even teens don’t have any idea where the food on their plate is coming from. So fishing will give you a unique break to teach your children where fish and other seafood come from. You can also teach them how the fish is cleaned before cooking and how it is a source of many beneficial vitamins and minerals for our body.
Surviving skills
Fishing is also a perfect way for the children to master their surviving skills. For example, there are two kids; one of them knows how to win video games with his friends. And another kid can tie basic fishing knots, catch fish, clean fish, and even cook it. Who would you think can survive under unfavorable conditions? It’s always good to have extra, out-of-the-box skills and hobbies that can come in handy if the internet shuts down for a week!
Bonding time
Kids and adults crave the undivided attention of their loved ones. As much as the parents want the kids to leave their smartphones and connect with them, they also wish for their parent’s attention. Fishing allows you to connect and bond with your loved ones, especially kids.
Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and absence of technology, and indulge in meaningful conversation with your child while waiting for the fish to bite. You don’t have to only talk about fishing and its dynamics. It would be best to show interest in their daily lives and make them realize that they are your top priority. During this bonding time, you may be surprised to learn your child’s unique abilities and traits that you didn’t know.
Conservation of water bodies
Going outdoors for fishing helps the kids understand and appreciate nature and the various water bodies they visit. You can teach them about the different water bodies and their differences during the fishing trips. It would help if you also taught them or let them understand the importance of taking care of the natural environment, such as the cleanliness of the water and the safety of the fish they catch.
They can also learn about the marine food chain and fish identification. This is the best time for them to learn about wildlife conservation. When you teach them how to fish, you can also educate them about fishing regulations, the catch and release techniques, and why they are essential to follow.
Confidence
Fishing is one of the best activities for kids that promotes and encourages a feeling of empowerment and confidence. If you grew up catching fish, you could clearly remember the feeling of reeling in your first fish and the excitement associated with it. The reason behind these vivid memories is the positive feelings of empowerment and accomplishment related to them. Every time kids learn something about fishing or reel in a fish, it increases their confidence and encourages them to do more. These qualities developed through fishing can help shape the positive personality of kids.
The Best Age For Kids To Learn Fishing
For kids, learning to fish can start really as soon as they’re able to do most simple activities. This age can vary, but typically between 3-4 years old is when we see parents get the most out of starting to show them the ropes. Starting early can be key as well so they have the most opportunity to find their own reasons to love the sport.
Conclusion
In a technology-driven and fast-paced environment, switching off and appreciating nature is essential. When it comes to spending time with your kids in the great outdoors, there is no better way than taking them to fish. It is inarguably one of the best leisure activities that allow you to bond with them and teach them various personality developing skills such as patience and problem-solving. If you’re looking to take the plunge with your kids, make sure to check out our Beginners Guide To Fishing for tips and tricks on how to get your little ones started.
