6 Amazing Benefits of the Sport of Fishing

September 3 is a Free Fishing Day in California.  The CA Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two Free Fishing Days a year.  On these days, you can fish without a sport fishing license.  Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try.  It is the perfect day to take the family fishing.

I believe that children should be taught to fish and that it is our duty as parents/grandparents to do everything we can to get our kids outside with a fishing pole every once in a while.

You might be surprised at how other parts of their lives (homework, communication, and overall happiness) change positively after a fun day on the lake, river, stream or ocean.  There are some amazing benefits gained from fishing as a hobby. 

Here are the six reasons to teach your kids how to fish:

1. Fishing teaches kids where food actually comes from

Most young kids today have no idea where the food on their plate actually comes from.  So what better way to explain to your children where fish comes from than to show them first-hand?  And even if you are catching and releasing, just having the talk with your kids about how fish are cleaned and used for nourishment will put them at the head of the class.

2. Fishing gets kids off the electronics

Smartphone, tablets and Xbox addictions are taking a toll on our kids.  There are more obese kids in America than ever before.  So why not get them outside with a fishing rod in hand?  And what better way than to get them outside than to take your kids fishing?

Let them feel the excitement of watching the bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? Or feel the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the end of the line?  The feel of a fish hitting your line is something that no technology can beat.  It will do them good to “disconnect” from technology and “connect” with a fish instead.

3. Fishing teaches kids about conservation and a love for nature

Far too many kids aren’t getting enough nature in their lives, and certainly far too many kids aren’t fishing.  Get your kids outdoors, get a rod in their hands, and watch them blossom into young adults that respect and admire the outdoors.  It all starts with getting them outside, teaching them about nature and conservation, and exposing them to the beauty of the outdoors.

4. Fishing teaches kids patience

Thousands of TV channels and the endless amount of entertainment options on the Internet teach kids they can get what they want, when they want.  Fishing calms the mind down.  It lets the brain relax and focus on one simple task – catching fish.  Fishing teaches kids that good things come to those who can wait.

5. Fishing gets the entire family outdoors

Fishing is such a great pastime because anyone can do it.  Nothing bonds a family together like being on or near the water and catching fish.  Even your child doesn’t love fishing, there are so many other things they can be doing like scooping up tadpoles or minnows, looking at the wildlife, collecting shells and shark’s teeth on the beach, or just breathing in some fresh air.

6. Fishing creates memories that matter

Fishing together creates lasting memories that matter.  Can you say that about many activities you do with your kids at a young age? 

When you instill the love of fishing in your kids at a young age, they will continue to want to pursue fishing with you for years and years to come.  It is the best gift you can ever give them.  Take your kids fishing now and it will pay dividends for years to come. 

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