It's Not About You

You’re the seasoned angler, and you love to fish. You eat, sleep, and breathe fishing. Every waking minute is consumed with dreams of catching that next trophy. You have mastered the art of casting that favorite lure and tricking the big one into eating it, and yet something is missing. You have yet to master making fishing a fun event for your family.

Fishing with your family can make something you already love more fun than you thought it could be.

In this article, I am going to give you a few tips to make fishing fun for you and your family.

Family Fun with Fishing

My first tip is the one you need to keep first and foremost in your mind. On that day you have planned for your family fishing, remember, this outing is not about you; it is all about the family. Whether it’s Mom and the kids, or just your son or daughter, it is not about you, it’s about them. So back away from the fishing rod and let them have their fun.

The Set Up

My next tip may cost you a few bucks, but it is well worth it. Invest in some fishing gear they can call their own. It does not have to be the top of the line gear You can find some affordable gear to suit their needs. This is another time you have to remember it's not about you. You may want to take them along to the local tackle dealer where they can put their hands on that special rod and reel. Remember what works for you may not work for them. You don’t want them to get fatigued a half hour into your day on the water, so remember to think small and light. A spinning reel in the 2000 series range with a 6’ rod would do the trick. You should be able to put something together for under 75.00.

Now that you have all the gear, the next step is to keep them busy while fishing.

Keep It Simple

You may be the guy who loves stalking the flats for that monster redfish. That’s all fine, but remember its not about you. Maybe the last time you were out you found an area that was holding trout and ladyfish, but it just wasn't your cup of tea. Take them to that spot. That is your family gold mine!

A simple rig of a shrimp under a popping cork should do the trick. My favorite set up for the kids is a 2” weighted popping cork about 2 feet above a # 1 circle hook. The pre-made popping cork set ups work great, but I have found with all the hardware attached, it makes them a bit harder to cast. Take some time and teach them how to cast and pop the cork. Showing them how you are hooking the bait will keep them interested. I have found that kids are eager to learn. The more opportunities they have to take part in, the more interested they will become. Don’t force them to fish. If they want to play with the bait instead, let them.

Every Fish is A Trophy

When the family starts reeling in ladyfish, trout, or catfish – stuff that you consider trash – remember tip number one, it's not about you. Tell them what a great catch they had and how well they did reeling it in! Soon, you will see all smiles and excitement. Dad will be the hero, and now it has become all about you!

From the Publisher: This excellent article from Captain Betz was a long time coming, since his writing is only one of the many things he does to help our angling community. We're very appreciative of the Captain's help, not only for our community, but for TheOnlineFisherman.com

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