ArrayMay 26, 2015 at 10:49 am
On Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is promoting free fishing days to encourage people to get out and enjoy Maine's waterways. This free fishing event is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All Maine fishing regulations apply. For a complete list of fishing regulations, including limits and sizes, visit www.mefishwildlife.com
What better opportunity to introduce a youngster to the sport? Here are some tips for taking kids fishing for the first time: First, understand that fishing with children is not the same as fishing with your buddies. The trip needs to be centered on them. In fact, I recommend you leave your fishing equipment at home so you can focus solely on assisting them with their own.
Keep it simple. Use a basic spincasting rod/reel combo such as a good ol’ Zebco 22. Look for one with a smaller reel so their hands can comfortably control the “button” to release the line. Fish with a bobber, a hook and a worm and target species such as perch, bass, crappie or other panfish that are often easy to catch and abundant. Consider saving the trout fishing for a trip later on.
Make it a shore thing. If you fish on shore kiddos have the freedom to move around and don’t feel isolated or confined, which will surely lead to boredom quickly. If they want to take a break, let them take a break! Chase butterflies, tadpoles, splash in the water; if they’re having fun in the outdoors then the trip is a success.
Make sure you teach skills. Allow them to do as much of the work as they are willing or able to do. Teach them how to put the worm on the hook, how to cast properly and accurately, and even how to handle their fish. If they are game right away, make sure you explain what you’re doing while they watch. If they’re really not interested then take a break and go throw a frisbee around for a minute. The goal is that eventually they will have the skills and independence to enjoy fishing on their own.
Stress the importance of safety. Teach them to look around before each cast and always be aware of where their hook is. Also, I suggest making sure you both wear a hat with visor and eye protection (sunglasses or youth size shooting glasses work great). It’s not a bad idea to have them wear a PFD, even on shore if they’re nervous around the water or they are not a strong swimmer. Most importantly, be relaxed and make it fun. As you head out leave behind the tension and take along an open mind and a lot of patience. Don’t measure the success of your trip by the number of casts made or fish caught. Remember to praise children for their patience and cooperation and do what you need to do to make the day a positive memory even if that means stopping for a special treat on the way home.
I hope you take the opportunity to head outdoors with a young person in your life and discover all there is to benefit from fishing as a family. For more information about fishing as a family check out www.takemefishing.org. Learn more about Maine’s Hooked on Fishing program by contacting Brittany Humphrey at brittany.humphrey@maine.gov