I always say it’s never too late to learn how to fish, which I whole heartedly believe! However, I don’t think it’s ever too early either.
So many of us who are fish obsessed today started when we were kids, and for me personally, that’s what my favorite childhood memories consist of.
I wouldn’t have those memories or the knowledge I have today without the amazing people in my life who brought me along.
In a world full of learning from YouTube videos, which admittedly are a great resource, there’s nothing like hands-on experience and making memories out on the water.
It’s so important that we pass on the sport of fishing to future generations, and the passion and knowledge that comes along with it.
However, taking kids out fishing can be an intimidating task.
Although I’ve taken a few kids out on the water, I’m not yet a parent and don’t feel I’m necessarily qualified to give advice on the matter.
I’ve reached out to the professionals for advice to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, and here’s what they had to say:
My Dad
“I remember trying to pump you up before we would go fishing. Saying I think you’re going to get a monster today so that in your mind, you would visualize catching a monster.
That got you really excited. We also talked about catching enough to have a meal which always got you excited and proud to provide your family with a meal.
We’d always make it fun by preparing a good lunch with lots of snacks for in the boat. Last but not least, I’d always make it seem like you were out fishing me which really got your confidence up.
Now you always out fish me…by a lot!”
Carl Jocumsen
“Becoming a Dad and taking my little girl Riv fishing is the greatest gift and privilege of my life.
Riv has been on the water with us ever since she could fit in her first lifejacket.
My main goal has been to never push it on her and try make it as fun as possible whenever she comes out on the boat.
It makes my heart full now when she asks if she can please go with me, sometimes she can’t and that makes it more special for her when she gets to go next.
The greatest moment was when she came to the front of the boat last year in Idaho and asked if she could fish with me, I gave her a spin rod and she opened the bail and dropped the bait down herself and hooked her first fish.
I was so pumped up and encouraged her right up to when we got it in the boat.
She said “I Did That” after she let it go and was so excited.
One of the greatest moments of my life that I will look back on forever.
I’ll always try make it an adventure for her and I hope she wants to fish with me for as long as I can be out there!
The best advice is to get a sleeping bag in the colder months and to catch a fish fast and put it in the livewell. It will be the best baby sitter ever!”
Brandon Palaniuk
“I believe kids are a product of their environment, and I’ve seen first-hand what good can come from time on the water.
There’s nothing like showing my little girls what the outdoors has to offer and then them asking if they can go hunting or fishing!”
