Here’s why you should teach your kids to fish.
It Gets Them Out in Nature
One of the reasons fishing is so good for us is that it gets us out of the house, away from the screen, and into the middle of nature.
Fresh air, beautiful scenery, natural sounds, and wide open spaces are good for the soul. When you’re out in nature, the body responds differently. Endorphins are released that boost your mood, and this is true for both adults and children.
Teaching your kid to fish at a young age develops a connection with nature that will serve them well as they grow.
It Teaches The Respect for the Environment
Fishing isn’t just about casting a line and dragging a fish in. There’s a certain amount of respect for the fish and for the process, which is a challenging battle.
There also needs to be respect for the environment. By explaining things like catch-and-release, ethical fishing, and teaching your child to leave the environment the same or better than they found it, you’re instilling excellent values in your kid.
It Reduces Stress
Kids get stressed too! As much as fishing helps you unplug from the stresses of work and everyday life, being out in the fresh air and on the water helps your kid to unwind as well.
In fact, presenting fishing to your child as a form of stress relief is teaching them healthy coping mechanisms. If your child knows that all they need to destress is to get out on the water, away from everything, there’s less of a chance of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms later in life.
It Improves Their Coordination
Fishing is a sport. Even if you’re just teaching your kid regular fishing and not the swishy action of fly fishing, the motion of casting the line and reeling it in can help to improve their coordination.
When they get a bite and there’s a fish pulling on the end of their line, it helps to improve their balance as they stand on the shore or boat. Also, the motion of reeling in and giving the fish slack is subtle and helps to develop muscle memory and motion control.
Conclusion
Have you already taught your kid the joys of fishing? Take them on a road trip and introduce them to the best fishing spots in the US. Part of fishing is bonding with your fishing buddies, so use it as a chance to spend time with your kid and grow closer through a mutual love of fishing.
Don’t forget to teach your kid that it’s okay to not catch anything! There’s more to fishing than the fish. Have fun together!
