When it comes to weekend activities, most kids enjoy watching cartoons, playing video games, riding their bikes, or swimming with friends. It’s rare to hear children say that fishing is their favorite pastime.
However, if you wish to bond with your kids and at the same time, teach them about surviving in the wilderness, fishing is an activity they need to learn to love. So, go ahead, visit a fishing gear store in Michigan, get the equipment you need, and use the tips below to convince your kids that fishing is fun.
Choose a nearby location
If you’re already experienced, you have a list of go-to places for this kind of expedition. But the problem with some of your fishing spots is that they may be too far away from your house. Your kids might not appreciate having to travel so far for something that’s not as exciting as playing Grand Theft Auto.
So, choose a location nearby and remember that your objective is for your children to like fishing first. When they enjoy their first experience fishing with you, then that’s the time they might be amenable to visiting other fishing spots far away.
Keep it short
It’s unfortunate that most children have short attention spans, but that’s the way it is. Don’t force your kids to spend countless hours just to get a fish. Again, the objective here is for them to like fishing. If they start losing focus on what they’re doing, it’s time to pack up.
However, make sure to ask your kids first if they really want to go home. When they say yes, tell them they might lose the opportunity to catch a fish. Then, wait for them to decide. If they decide to stay, then you’re closer to making them love fishing.
Make teaching fun
Obviously, you’re going to teach your children how to hook the worm, cast the line, and reel in the fish. Be patient, knowing that they will likely find it disgusting to handle a live worm. What you should do here is to hook the worm for them at first and assure them that there’s nothing disgusting about it.
If you notice them looking more closely to what you’re doing, offer them the chance to hook the worm themselves. Also, remember to tie their fishing rod to an eyelet on your boat or the dock. This is to prevent your children’s fishing rod to sink to the bottom of the lake if they suddenly let go of it when a fish bites.
Bring their toys
Fishing may be fun for those who are looking for some time to relax, but for kids, it may seem dull. Keep your kids’ minds occupied when they’re feeling bored. Bring some of their toys or coloring books so that they can do something else when there’s no fish biting yet.
Fishing can be a wonderful pastime for you and your children as long as you know how to maintain their interest in what you’re doing. Follow these suggestions and help your kids learn to love fishing.
