Waking up to the smell of bacon being fried. Enjoying a big breakfast of scrambled eggs, buttered toast, orange juice, milk and bacon. Taking the short ride through the deserted streets of town, all the while savoring the rich, aromatic smell of pipe tobacco swirling about. Making several trips across a sandy shore to transfer our day’s provisions from one mode of transportation to another. Selecting a seat to get the best view for the trip across the main channel of the Mississippi river.
These are just a few of the memories I have from my first fishing trips as a kid. These memories are some of the most vivid and cherished of my life. To this day I yearn to recapture the same feel and smell of the morning air I experienced on those magic mornings over 50 years ago. If not for my dad and “gramps” I may never have enjoyed the sensory feelings fishing evokes and the lifetime activity it provides. I am forever grateful to my dad and grandfather for introducing me to fishing and taking me on those early morning excursions to Sam Gordy’s in the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
You too can create memories and a special bond with youngsters by taking them fishing and introducing them to all the activities involved with it. Start with your own children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews. Offer to take their friends along. You can begin with, short trips to nearby lakes or rivers. You can also search for kids fishing contests near you. These provide the added excitement of prize offerings and shows them how others their age are enjoying fishing and the great outdoors.
Today there are at least 125 kids fishing contests being held in 20 different states in America. This makes it easy to find a kids fishing event that can be used to introduce them to fishing. Some of these do not require a boat because fishing is done from shore. Many of these events also provide equipment (rod, reel, pole, tackle, bait, etc) for the participants to use. Some even have volunteers who take kids out on their boats to experience fishing while on the water.
Panfish, walleye, bass, salmon, trout and even marlin contests represent the variety of fishing events that are held just for kids. The Wisconsin Bowfishing Association holds an event for kids and the ASAC (Association of Surf Angling Clubs) holds several youth events every year. C.A.S.T. for Kids is a great organization that schedules fishing events just for kids in many states.
Take a kid fishing and you’ll create some cherished memories and enrich their lives now and for years to come.