One of the most enjoyable experiences in a parent’s life is sharing the bond with your child through an outdoor activity. Here at MatrixShad.com we obviously fish almost everyday naturally making our outdoor experiences predominantly fishing trips. For most parents out there that may not be the case but it very well may be a sport such as baseball or maybe the family enjoys camping but none the less I think everyone would agree the memories they make during these outdoor events are some of the greatest experiences in a family’s life. What I can attest to is the awesome experience it is to take a young child fishing. I personally have two young girls, three and five years old and one of my favorite things to do with them is bring them fishing and watch the joy in their eyes when they witness things on the water that 80% of the world probably never has the opportunity to do. I personally have the luxury to go fishing almost anytime I want so when it is time to bring the kids fishing its easy for me to focus on the most important thing which is to remember this is not a fishing trip for yourself. Try and remember its and incredible experience for them. The main focus needs to be what parts do they enjoy. Don’t worry about how many fish you can catch, catching a few fish is a bonus and they really don’t care about that part. Things like letting them drive the boat or take a ride deep in the marsh pointing out alligators or nutria rats is amazing to them. We may take those views for granted but remember it’s the first time they have ever seen those things. Sure while running from place to place make a quick stop and make a few cast, but the moment you see them getting antsy its time to mix it up. One thing my kids love is to cast a snoopy style pole with a fake plastic fish on the end of it. They will cast and cast that fake fish and continue to reel it in over and over as they feel they are helping their dad out. Also I always let them reel the fish in if I happen to catch one. Maybe your child has a blast netting the fish and wants to play net man or woman all day. If you’re lucky to catch a fish together make sure to always take a moment and capture the memory with a video or photograph. Never be too eager to catch another one before snapping a photo that will last forever. Another dad tip is to bring plenty of snacks. One easy way to mix it up for them once they start to get slightly bored is pull out the snacks. Another good piece of advice is if you catch a fish put it in the live well so they can watch it swim around. Feel out what they enjoy doing or what makes them feel comfortable. Some kids may get scared in the open water especially if its choppy where some may find riding in the chop exhilarating. If rough seas spook your kids running deep back in marshy bayous is a wonderful thing that we have access to here on the Gulf Coast.
One of the problems I think we can all agree on that goes on daily in this world is the time spent by a child on a phone or a tablet. When this is allowed you will notice the child is living vicariously through someone else’s life. It is much better for the child to live their own life making their own memories and not staring at a computer screen all day. These memories that can be made so simply. We may look at it as mild or not a big deal in our eyes but a child will remember one specific childhood experience for a life time and may influence them in a positive way for the rest of their lives. My two kids are polar opposites. One will never miss a boat ride with dad where the other need to be encouraged to get on the boat and put her barbies down. One of them will grab a fish with both hands where the other moves out the way when a fish hits the deck. One thing they both share in common when on the boat with dad is they both have fun. We sing songs, take turns driving the boat, take pictures and eat plenty snacks. For us it doesn’t end with being on the boat. They love showing mom what they caught when we get back to the dock then they help me clean the fish and we always bait the crab traps. After a few days they enjoy checking the crab traps as they are amazed at how many crabs swim in the waters also watching the circle of life in motion. I know some of my most enjoyable times of my life are some of my most recent trips on a boat with my kids whether its a fishing trip or simply driving around in the boat pointing out Louisiana’s most beautiful sights.
Until Next Time
Bring a Kid Fishing
