Fishing Fun! – getting ready to fish
An activity that doesn’t come by so easy for us is catching fish. Fishing fun, as the kids would say, happens (may or may not because of the weather) when we go to Germany to visit Oma and Opa. Aside from the thrill of actually catching fish, the trip to a river in itself is exciting. It’s a good thing, all 3 kids like to be outdoors, be out in the sun, play in the fields, and I hope they stay so for long.
As mentioned, this is an activity that we seldom do, so there really isn’t much to say except maybe the things you learn from the experience. But before we tackle those, let’s also include some tips to do before you go.
Fishing Fun! – Net ready
Table of Contents
Things to do Before Fishing Fun
Before heading off, check this list first of things to do before fishing.
Check the Weather/Conditions
A rainy day for fishing is not the most ideal, so make sure you check ahead, not the day before, what the weather would be.
Choose Where to Fish
Should it be saltwater or fishwater? Jetties, streams, shallow rivers, and lakes seem to be the safer choices for first-time anglers.
Brief the Kids
I find it helpful to talk the kids about a few things before going on fishing fun. This would include the need for a license to fish, which sizes are ok to catch and take home, and when it is best to release a fish that was caught.
It is also humane to let them know that the fish might be eaten later on.
Know the Route
Make sure there would be time to spend in the WC while on your way to the fishing site. If you can find one where a playground and picnic area is accessible, then that’s perfect.
Bring Necessary Stuff
Fishing license – fishing and angling usually needs license which one can apply for in the respective offices.
Rods, baits – how could one fish without fishing rods, baits, and all those? Make sure that your rods are appropriate for the kids’ heights.
Buckets – the bucket will serve as live fish storage
Fishnets/Landing Nets – this will help pulling the fish out of the water/bringing in catch easier, it can also be left in the water with the fish inside (secured) to keep them fresh longer
Drinking water and Snacks – of course, who leaves the house without these?
Life Jacket – depending on where the fishing site would be, it is best to bring life vests to stay safe
Raincoat, bucket hat, cap – for unexpected weather changes
Sunscreen lotion – Who doesn’t love the sun? No one. And who loves sunburn? No one.
Towels and Spare Cloth – to dry you up and your gears later
A camera -not necessarily needed, but it’s good to always document the things you do with your kids.
Fishing Fun! – caught fish
What Kids can Learn from Fishing Fun
Teaches Patience
Fishing is not boring, but one needs a lot of patience when at it. Waiting is one thing kids aren’t happy about – but when they finally catch a fish, they would know the feeling of “waiting is worth it.”
Teaches Gentleness
When kids catch smaller fish not yet ok for consumption, have the fish released back into the water. Show them to not throw the fish carelessly, but gently release the fish by submerging it in the water. This will teach them that getting food to eat doesn’t have to be horrid.
Teaches Following Instructions
As the kids were briefed earlier, they would be able to follow the instructions one they see signs, and recall what you’ve talked about.
Fishing Fun! – cooking
Interest in Cooking
Having experienced catching fish may also interest your kid/s to see how they are cooked. They might help with the smaller things, like peeling potatoes, chopping herbs, and other non-dangerous cooking activities. Our little boy (picture above), watched while the trout caught earlier in the day was being deboned. He also helped making sticky balls for the dessert we had later on, dad’s favorite – sticky rice balls in coconut milk.
