Angling day lasts all summer long - 2004 National Communications Award

Fishing has been part of my life style for as long as I can recall. I learned the basics as a young kid from the local anglers fishing from the pier. My parents never fished unfortunately, so by trial and error over many years I became fairly proficient at fishing. During my younger years the desire to fish intensified, it was all so simple then, hook, worm, sinker, and some patience. I always try to give back some of the pleasures I experienced as a child learning to fish to future young anglers. In early July during National Fishing week volunteers all over the province had their hands full indeed! Groups of excited kids and helpful tutors gathered along shorelines, river banks docks and boats. Armed with a fishing pole, red and white bobber, sinker and hook with an uncooperative squirmy worm attached. Worms were the bait of choice, easy to acquire with little effort the night before.  A flashlight and dirt filled can to store wiggly dew worms was all that was required.

You could acquire more worms after a light watering of the lawn with the watering hose or late evening rain. Having read numerous “how to” articles in fishing magazines over the years certainly helped bring about the now popular National Fishing Week every July. Unfortunately many kids can’t find anyone to teach them how to fish.  With divorces common and single parents it can be a challenge if the parent is the non-fishing type.  Handicapped kids also love to fish if only they had more opportunities. 

Articles over the years have shown fishing has helped youngsters become socially adjusted more to the stresses of today’s living.  I believe time spent fishing alleviates daily worries and gives you time to think out your problems.  I know it has worked for me over the years.

The Dunnville Hunters and Anglers club have a fishing day especially set up to help kids learn to fish.  Held annually they celebrated twenty years of teaching kids to fish in June.  Today’s kids with computers and gameboys seldom take the time to shoot the breeze with a parent in a relaxed outdoor environment.  Standing on the sidelines of a soccer game screaming encouragement is hardly relaxing.  Sitting together side by side, fishing rods connected to the water by a seemingly invisible thread, sharing jokes and a treat, now that’s relaxing!  Fishing can also be enjoyed morning, noon and after supper any day of the week.

Often we hear of city kids with no outdoor skills, possibly due to never having the opportunity to fish.  Maybe they haven’t learned the art of slowly swishing their bare feet off a dock, while patiently sittings on the docks edge.  Eyes widening as a bobber disappear under the water.  Fresh worms are being added at a steady pace, young anglers not quite getting the feel of a light bite with those gargantuan bobbers. Usually I ask most kids if they had fished before and about half said no. They all agreed the exhilaration and fun was when they actually caught something!

New anglers can obtain fishing equipment in various ways. Borrow rods and tackle from a friend or purchase inexpensive kids outfits.  Borrow from a local fishing club.  They are always willing to help young anglers.  Baits such as worms or minnows can be purchased; or better yet caught by both of you. Time spent with kids catching bait can be a hilarious way to spend a few hours.  You’ll be guaranteed to get wet and enjoy much laughter.

Areas to fish from are varied, from the shoreline or pier along a river or small lake. Pan fish or catfish is your best choice to keep action steady and fun.  Fun being the main goal.

Take a camera! Having a photo of their first fish caught will be cherished for generations. Do bring snacks, pop juice, water, squirt guns, hats and patience!

Check the web the day before for fish facts, places to fish, species, etc. Further information can be obtained from outdoor publications like Ontario Out of Doors or Real Fishing.  Both magazines also have web sites.  Your local Ministry of Natural Resources is a great place to obtain angling information.  Then turn the computer off to get ready for the next day.  I know watching a child’s eye bulge out like that of some large mouth bass as their bobber is pulled under the water can only bring smiles and laughter to your face.

As your ecstatic young angler reels in their first fish, one could only hope you have a camera handy. It’s a picture that would be the start of a lifetime of future happy memories.

 We all know time is limited with hectic schedules and our fast paced lifestyles.  Perhaps some quality time with your kids in a relaxed setting while fishing might help you both.  Realizing I experience little stress while fishing, I can understand this quite well.  I’m very thankful some thoughtful strangers and friendly neighbors taught me how to fish when I was young.  I would hope more adults continue to help all those kids who haven’t learned or are curious to learn the fine art of fishing.

Remember to keep a tight line.  Peter Wood is an award winning writer enjoying life along the Grand River.  Please feel free to pass along any information you would like shared with other readers concerning the Grand River to ripplejournalism@gofishin.ca or www.gofishin.ca