Bring a Child Fishing
The highly acclaimed author of “Last Child in The Woods”, Richard Louv said the children and the nature movement is fueled by this idea, “The child in nature is an endangered species, and the health of the earth is inseparable.” Louv goes on to explain that children can be restored in nature. He also believes that children today suffer from nature deficit which manifests itself in childhood depression, obesity as well as attention deficit.
Now as a grandfather with a lifetime behind me in the great outdoors, my memories are filled with wonderful recollections of fishing with friends and family. However, nothing surpasses the joy spent with kids in nature and Its intangible the legacy established by the introduction of fishing in their lives.
The only thing better than going fishing, is bringing a child fishing!
Indeed, some of my fondest memories with my father revolved around time spent fishing. Right from the start, once we had a date to go fishing the excitement began. In those days we began our preparations by gathering nightcrawlers. We would use the garden hose and sprinkle water in our garden and small patch of lawn with water, mimicking rainfall. A coffee can would be filled, the truck loaded with fishing tackle for an early morning departure to a favored spot.
As I grew up, I began traveling extensively in the military and later as a civilian, I took every opportunity I could to fish. Fishing brought me home and its restorative effect helped me cope with life stressors. Later when I had kids, I couldn’t wait to teach them about fishing and what it had meant to me. I did learn one thing really quick. And that was when you bring small kids fishing you aren’t likely do much fishing yourself. However, I began to enjoy teaching the kids more than fishing myself.
Plan Ahead
Taking children fishing is nothing to take lightly. As relaxing and benign as fishing can be, there are hazards to be watchful for as well as prepared for. So, preparing for the trip properly is essential, as having the right equipment on hand. For example, knowing the advanced weather forecast is critical. I use Wunderground. It provides me all the data I need to safely fish on or next to waterways. The forecast also plays an important role in the tackle I select. I especially like the wind speed and direction feature. This is a great feature which everyone fishing can use to determine if conditions are favorable or too dangerous to either go on the water or remain on or near the water.
First Aid
Another essential component when fishing is having a small first aid kit. Now, what I am going to share with you is not medical advice, but rather what I carry and why. My kit is simple for fishing, and consists of: antiseptic wipes and ointments, assorted bandages, ChapStick, and if you live in an area with toxic plants such as poison oak and ivy, one might consider a solution to cleanse skin that comes in contact with such plants. The essential oil that causes the rash from these plants which love shorelines of rivers and creeks is urushiol. It is a compound that takes about two to three hours to bond with our skin’s proteins and they create terrible itching and blisters. It can even cause anaphylactic shock in some. So, if you have a solution to clean your skin you should have plenty of time to clean. I also carry a bottle of children’s liquid Benadryl (antihistamine) which can prevent severe allergic reactions from plants and insect bites. A can of your favorite insect repellant appropriate for a child’s skin. Oh, and don’t forget a needle nose pliers in the event you get hooked. I also encourage children to fish with barbless hooks.
Teaching Accountability
When bringing a child old enough to carry their own gear they should have, at a minimum, a small first aid kit with them. This is very empowering to give them added responsibility of caring for their own little emergencies.
First Aid for Kids
A child’s first aid kit should include band aids, antiseptic wipes and ointments, sunscreen, and a set of tweezers for removing ticks and slivers. The inevitable sliver which they will likely find on old docks or pier. I add ChapStick with Leuko sports tape which has zinc oxide adhesive for securing bandages which often come off when wet or when they develop a hotspot on their feet from shoes or sandals.
Additional Items to Consider
I also include in my kit a mylar blanket and a tea light candle. I can use this to help thermoregulate body temperature. In other words, if it’s hot I can rig it to shade a child and keep them cool. Or if they get wet slipping into cold water, I can warm them to prevent hypothermia. The candle can be lit and placed n a small depression in the ground. The child can sit with the candle between their legs and the mylar blanket around them to trap the heat from the candle. All under the watchful eye of an adult.
In conclusion I hope this short article will inspire you to bring a child with you fishing next time. You will make memories that will not only last a lifetime but will shape the character of the little person you love all the while growing the sport we cherish so much.
