ORLANDO FLORIDA TROPHY BASS FISHING WITH PRO GUIDE STEVE BOYD

 Welcome to the Florida Bass Adventures Bass Fishing Tips Page. Here you will be able to find our print and video tips to help you become a better bass angler.

TAKING YOUR KIDS FISHING

Taking your kids bass fishing isn't what it used to be when I was growing up. The challenges facing parents today are numerous. Video games, MTV, Soccer, Baseball and even peer pressure can make it difficult to keep a child's interest in the outdoors. In some ways this is to be expected because bass fishing isn't for everyone but given the right approach your child might just be the first one out of bed to go bass fishing on Saturday morning.

 Believe it or not the lifelong pursuit of bass fishing doesn't always come from a big monster bass or even high numbers of fish. It's the excitement kids see on your face when they catch a fish. You see, kids don't know what they have done when they catch a fish. They will need you to show them that they have just done something special. And don't be afraid to jump up and down with wild excitement after they catch a fish. Kids love seeing that from their parents.

 I always encourage parents to take their children fishing at a very early age. Even as young as 3 years old. If you own a boat, just take them for a ride and maybe show them some wildlife while out. If you don't own a boat just fish from the bank for a little while and mix things up a little bit. Feed some ducks or some Geese.  In a way this can be compared to what is called imprinting. It could be the first memories they have of time that spent with their parents. Did you notice I
said "Parents"? I'll get back to this later.

 I also recommend that when you go fishing with your kids make it all about them. You catching fish while they watch unfortunately won't work. Your kids will always want to catch more fish than you to be interested so this is something you will just have to concede until they are old enough to give you a run for your money. What ever you can get to bite for them will work. Blue gills, Brim, Bass or even catfish. When they catch their first fish I would not keep that fish but first teach your kids how to care for the natural resources by releasing fish. It also might be a little disconcerting to your child to see you kill something they were so excited about earlier in the day.

While fishing take time to teach your kids that it's not all about catching fish. Show them as much as you can about the outdoors like the wildlife, biology and the importance of all of these things in our life. Once again you will need to show them visible excitement when seeing things like an Eagle or Otter.

 The reason I emphasize "Parents" when speaking of taking your kids fishing is because of how much of an influence a mother can have on whether or not your child will want to go fishing. If one parent doesn't show an interest it will affect everything. This will require some help from the Husband because getting up at 4:30 could be asking a bit much of your Wife. Work together on this and even if your wife doesn't like fishing if you include her and try to make it fun for all
your wife just might go along and all of you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

 
 

                Good luck and always practice catch and release,
                                                                                                           Steve Boyd

http://www.floridabassadventures.com