It’s a sport, a hobby, a profession, a skill! So what am I talking about? Fishing of course!
Fishing is an activity that crosses all gender, cultural and economic lines. Once you are on the dock, in the boat or on the bank of the river, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from. All that matters is the catch. The feeling of the line pulling, the adrenaline rushing as you reel in your catch and the exhilaration and pride felt when you see your victory. For some it’s about catching the biggest fish, for others it’s about catching the most rare sea creature and for others it’s all about quantity. Whatever the preference, fishing is a sport that will stand the test of time.
According to Wikipedia, fishing dates back over 40,000 years ago! Its importance can be found in history books for cultures and empires around the world. Fishing is still a vital part of our lives and our economy today. In fact, Wikipedia states that there are 38 million fishermen and fish farmers today! Whether you see it as a sport, profession or hobby, fishing will continue to be around for centuries to come.
10 Benefits of Fishing with Kids
Builds Confidence
As kids build their skills and become more successful, they build their self-confidence. This also leads to a stronger self-concept and greater independence. As kids see they can be successful in fishing, they carry that confidence over to other parts of their lives like school, sports and even developing friendships.
Enhances Motor Planning
Fishing involves a great deal of motor planning. Kids have to decide how to cast, when to let go, when to reel in and more. They have to carefully plan out their movements and make sure they work in harmony so they not only catch a fish, they don’t break the line or the pole!
Improves Coordination
It also takes balance and coordination to fish. If fishing on a boat, you have to stand carefully so you don’t fall in the water. You also need balance when reeling in your catch because if you lose your footing, you may also lose your catch! When fishing, it is also important to coordinate all the motor movements so they work together for a successful catch.
Kids have to learn how to carefully balance themselves while fishing!
Teaches Perseverance
Fishing takes determination, hard work and perseverance. You can’t give up after only a few minutes. Fishermen spend hours waiting for the perfect catch. Fishing teaches children to keep trying when they don’t succeed. This leads to a greater work ethic which is needed to be successful in school and their future career.
Increases Independence
As kids build their skills in fishing, they become more confident which leads to greater independence. Once kids understand the safety measures involved in fishing, they can engage in this activity with little to no help from their parents. My friend’s son will fish for hours off his dock by himself even though he is only 7 years old. This is due to his skill level and confidence!
Become Part of a Community
Many see fishing as an individual sport but what many don’t realize is that there are wonderful communities and groups centered around fishing. For example, at Lake Hopatcong there is a Knee Deep Club for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. There are also fishing derbies that bring people together to celebrate this passion. In fact, my son just participated in his first fishing derby with his Cub Scout pack. It was a fun day for the kids and their parents!
Teaches Patience
Let’s be honest, fishing can be frustrating for the person that lacks patience! It can take minutes to catch a fish but it can also take hours or even all day before you catch one. This helps children learn the art of patience. This is a skill needed for school, sports and life!
Encourages an Appreciation of Nature
Getting outdoors helps kids appreciate and understand nature. It teaches them the importance of taking care of the environment including the fish they catch. Kids can put away all the electronic devices and just take in the scenery and fresh air. This can also lead to a healthier lifestyle!
Promotes Family Bonding
Fishing really brings friends and families together. From fishing day trips to big fishing weekends, this amazing sport has the power to bring people together to have fun, bond and learn. I love watching my husband fish with our boys. He has fun teaching them about fishing, and they love spending time with their dad!
Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle
Fishing has been known to be a wonderful stress reliever as well as a great way to relax. It can also been seen as a great form of exercise. It also strengthens your mind by requiring the use of visual-spatial and problem solving skills. In addition, preparing your catch of the day for dinner can lead to healthier eating habits. By putting all of these thing together, fishing can lead to a healthier you!
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My husband has always wanted to try fishing, so I’ve been looking to see if it would be a good idea for us to go out and do that. I’ve always loved nature, so I’m glad that fishing can provide that chance for you to be all around it. Even if I don’t catch any fish, I know that I’ll really appreciate the scenery. Thanks for sharing!
I really love what you said about how fishing teaches patience, as it can take anywhere between minutes and hours to catch a fish. I’ve been thinking about taking my nephew on a chartered fishing trip, but his mother was wondering if it was really necessary. I completely agree that there are valuable life lessons that you can learn while fishing, so I’ll have to find a good charter to take us.
Thank you so much Dennis! I think your nephew would love to go on a chartered fishing trip with you. Not only will he gain valuable life lessons, he will also get to bond with his uncle! Have a wonderful trip.
My significant other has for the longest time been itching to have a go at angling, so I’ve been hoping to check whether it would be a smart thought for us to go out and do that. I’ve generally adored nature, so I’m happy that angling can give that opportunity to you to be surrounding it. Regardless of the possibility that I don’t get any fish, I realize that I’ll truly welcome the view.
I’ve never thought too much about fishing. However, when I have kids, I’m having my husband go out, buy tackle, and take my child fishing. Patience is good to have, especially for children .
Reading this article has helped me to understand the benefits that come with fishing. It was interesting to learn that fishing can help children to build confidence at a young age. I hope that I can remember this article when I have children of my own in the future.
I agree with you .Fishing help us to increase the Family Bonding, Confidence, Patience, and become a Part of a Community. before reading your post I just know about the increase of confidence and patience but after reading your post I know other and many things. Thanks for such kind of helpful post .
I can see how the multi-movement act of casting can develop motor skills in children. Casting requires focus and precision. I might have to take my little one fishing; I bet it could be a bonding experience.
My wife and I are always looking for activities that can help our children develop good traits. Our son has been getting frustrated with his schoolwork, so we’re looking for something that can help him get through this tough time. I didn’t realize fishing is able to teach children perseverance through the practice of waiting hours to get the perfect catch. I’ll be sure to discuss this option with my family.
My wife and I were thinking about picking up fishing as a hobby but we aren’t sure about it yet. I like that you mention how it makes a great family bonding sport because you can go on big fishing trips. We’ve always wanted to do more family activities so this sounds like a great place to start. Thanks for sharing!
I like how you point out that fishing will help your kids learn how to take care of the environment. My husband and I have gotten concerned that we spend too much time indoors with our electronics, and our kids aren’t learning what they need to. We’ll have to find a fishing charter that we could go on to be outside in the outdoors as a family.
I am glad that I found this article because I did not realize there are so many benefits of fishing! You make a great point that it helps you to appreciate nature and promotes family bonding. This is extremely important because I am looking for activities that will help my kids bond.
I liked it when you mentioned that helping kids be successful in fishing can translate to confidence in things like school or friendships. My son just turned 4 and we are looking to build his confidence and patience now so that he is prepared for public school and the stresses that go along with it. I will be sure to find a fish bait and supply shop near me so that we can get started on the activity within the next few weeks.
I must admit that I love what you said about how fishing teaches patience because it can take minutes and hours to catch a fish. My son has been thinking about taking me on a fishing trip. With that being set, I will accept the invitation and enjoy the journey.
Fishing is quite a good habit which everyone should have and I really liked it. Fishing keep myself active, improved my patience level and I started enjoying the nature a lot just because of fishing.
It’s cool that you mention that fishing is a great activity for helping kids develop self-confidence. I want my son to learn to be confident, so I’m considering taking him fishing this year. I’m going to look for a good business that can sell us some fishing equipment.
Hello..
This blog is very useful for me. I hope this blog will be useful for many outdoor sporting people.
Keep posting!!!
It’s cool that you point out that fishing can help children develop self-confidence. I want my son to grow up to be a confident adult, so I’m considering buying some supplies to take him fishing this summer. I’m going to search for a reliable business that can sell me some fishing supplies.
I totally agree with you. Being a professional fishing guide myself, I have seen fishing boost family bonding, confidence, and patience in my clients. Children especially learn so much from fishing. I love watching fathers teach their kids the techniques they learned from their fathers.
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It’s fantastic that you mention that fishing is a great way for kids to become more self-confident. I want my son to grow up to be a self-confident adult, so I’m thinking about taking him on a chartered fishing trip with me next month. I’m going to look for a reputable fishing charter service in the area that we can use.