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Having Fun Fishing with Pre-Schoolers

© Marie-Helen Goyetche

Summer's here and so is fishing. Fishing is a rewarding sport: the fresh air, learning about the environment and the development of patience. It can be the ideal sport for preschoolers, if you introduce it in a positive way. There are a few things to look at for your fishing trip to be a success.
*** the location
*** time spent fishing
*** children's physical limitations
*** supplies
*** safety and regulations.
"I caught all my fish by myself!" says five year old Max, proud to show his catch of the day. Find an easily accessible area. When going to your fishing spot make sure it's a short drive and a short walk. Your goal is to introduce a great sport to your child. You don't want your child so tired when you get there, to be unhappy and unable to enjoy fishing.

During this introduction process, choose a spot you know there are fish. If possible choose a shallow area where tiny fish can be seen. Preschoolers don't have the luxury of waiting a few hours just to catch a fish or two. If you want to keep them excited and involved you'll have to go where the action is.

The length of time spent fishing will be determined by your child's age. Be prepared to stay only as long as your child is interested, (maybe a half hour or so on your first outing). Don't turn it into a marathon. If after a while your child is running all over and isn't paying attention--it's time to go.

Claude , father of Alex and Max recalls his initial experience when the boys were 4 and 5.

"Our first fishing adventure was hectic. Alex was sitting quietly holding the rod with all his might and Max was fidgeting all over the place. I realize now maybe I should have been on two little trips, with each child individually . Overall thought it was fun and we did something together, that was my goal."

It will be physically impossible for your young child to hook the worm, cast the line and reel in the fish alone. There are ways to overcome these obstacles.

You can cast for your child and then give your child the rod. You can also attach a sinker, then your child will only release the line straight into the water. When you are hooking the worm be aware of your reactions. Children are always observing you and your reactions. If you make it sound "ucky and disgusting" to hook on a worm they'll become squeamish and won't want to touch try it. Chances are if you don't make a big issue out of it, they won't either.