If you have ever wondered if you should take your kids (Or someone else’s) fishing, do it. The reasons for this are bigger than you could ever imagine.

Kids love to do recreational activities with their parents especially, it helps to build a trusting relationship between you and them.

Fishing is fun and ANYONE can enjoy some time on a creek, river, or lake.

As a beginner fisherman/fisherwoman it's rather inexpensive. A rod/reel combo, hooks, sinkers, and bait are cheaper than most outdoor activities and can be reused over and over again.

Fishing is relaxing and children tend to tell you more about what's on their minds when relaxed.

It allows you to instill your values in to your children.

Many fishermen are also nature conscious and conservationists. This can impact how your children think and act about nature and in the future.

Fishing is an outdoor sport and healthy, without the strenuous competition attached to today’s activities.

Most fishing spots are gorgeous places with an abundance of scenery.

When attempting to take youngsters fishing you must keep in mind a few things. You are not going alone or with your buddies but as a mentor and teacher. You will be untying knots, attaching bait and lures, retying hooks, and fixing reels so much that you will be lucky to fish much at all (or keep your sanity). Your main goal should be to gently help them while letting them practice and try on their own as well. The main goal is to stay very calm and let them learn most of the basic do’s and don'ts from trial and error. If you are too over their shoulder it will make things too stressful and may turn them off to the idea of going again.

Fish size means very little to a kid. Start with easy to catch fish such as Perch or other small fish. A good first bait for such a task would be night crawlers or meal worms. Both of these baits tend to intrigue children and once they are over the grossest part of baiting the hook they should have no problems with the rest.

When shopping for their first set of fishing stuff let them either pick their rod/reel or a fishing lure. When given the opportunity to start a collection of lures and fishing gear of their choosing they may be more inclined to continue.

A really great way to fish with a younger is with a Bobber (As shown to the right). There are multiple reasons for this as listed below.

If the bait is kept off of the bottom there is a better chance of reducing hang-ups.

They give extra weight to the terminal end of the line and increase casting distance for youngsters.

When a fish nibbles on or hits the line with a bobber it is extremely exciting (just think of those barrels that Jaws dragged around the ocean).

They are brightly colored and some are even designed for kids (smiley faces, bright colors, etc.).

It's hard to explain when to set the hook normally, with a bobber you just wait for it to go under.

Above all make the experience the best you possibly can by taking plenty of food...fishing is hard work and any food tastes better outdoors.