6 ways fishing helps kids learn

It's easy to see how the globe is becoming increasingly strained as a result of current events. Children spend half as much time outside now as they did 20 years ago, and children who play outside are more physically active, more creative in their play, less aggressive, and have greater concentration.

I recently read about how kids were spending so little time in nature that they had "nature deficit disorder." The consequences they suffered were dire: more stress and anxiety, higher rates of obesity and ADHD, and more.

Many of us northerners love the outdoors and love being on the water... fishing. It’s a natural progression to take the kids fishing.

I thought I’d go over six ways that fishing helps kids learn. I’m not a parent, but I am an aunt, and I also remember what it was like to be a kid and how much I enjoyed exploring the outdoors and fishing.

Fishing encourages children to develop self-discipline and patience.

Fishing, I've discovered, has a natural tendency to establish structure, such as setting an alarm to wake up early, preparing food and water for the day, arranging gear, remembering clothes and tackle, and so on. Setting the hook and waiting for the bite has positive effects. I've seen my nephew miss a strike while being stupid, forgetting his warm jacket and extra garments, and he, in a way, "learned the hard way." I, on the other hand, was not the bad guy, and he learned the repercussions of his lack of awareness. After a few times, now he’s more keen on setting the hook when feeling a bite, and he knows to bring his jacket, extra clothes, and he now reminds me about the necessities to bring. There are endless sources of entertainment on the Internet to teach kids they can get what they want, when they want, and I believe it’s a disservice when it comes to teaching patience.

Time spent outdoors may increase physical fitness.

There are plenty of times we hike to fishing spots, scope out new locations, and I take my nephew with me.

Fitness is built into the sport, which is nicely subtle without any pressure for "gym time." Physical fitness and endurance evolve naturally via function.

Fishing encourages creativity and problem solving.

Recently, this summer, my nephew, who just turned 7, has taken it upon himself to learn to unwrap his own tangled line,and also tie his own knots on the lure. Last year, I was his full-time guide, and now he’s wanting to take the lead and learn—and that was a natural progression that he did on his own. I oversee everything from a distance, but allow him to figure out a lot on his own.

Fishing helps with concentration and focus.

As I’ve watched my nephew grow up from teeny tiny, our time on the water together is increasing. Starting off with a short amount of time is key, and typically when youngsters ask

If they say "I want to go home," you should start to pack up after they ask a second time. There will be days where they get bored extremely fast, but with time, plenty of patience, and keeping fishing fun, their willingness and eagerness to go out fishing with you will become greater and greater. Keep snacks on hand, and remember to keep the fishing for the kids;fishing for yourself while teaching really young kids is very tricky and can be stressful. It’s best to set aside your wants and focus on playing "guide". This year was the first year I was able to actually fish with my nephew (he’s 7). Prior to that, I had been his personal guide. Starting kids' casting on the lawn helps them gain casting knowledge while at home, and heading to a stocked trout pond is also a good way to introduce them to fishing basics and develop skills.

Learn to be gentle.

Kids 12 and under should have an adult be the only one releasing fish. I showed my nephew how to remove the hook and how to submerge the fish in water for release. I emphasize gentle handling of the fish. Teaching kids to be gentle is key, and teaching compassion and empathy are very important emotions to develop.

Fishing develops good communication skills.

Technology and cell phones can greatly impact the communication skills of the youth, and most prefer to text than actually talk face-to-face.

As for fishing, this is a time to interact, to communicate, and to develop the conversational skills that are so imperative. I talk at great lengths with my nephew; he tells me long stories, and his imagination is never-ending, so I’m all ears.

Fishing can teach kids how to communicate, learn engineering (such as tying their own knots and how to make lures move in the water to entice a strike), become patient humans, and create important survival skills that schools don’t teach. Get those youngsters out fishing with you and observe how they start to evolve and become more accomplished in all parts of their lives.

Less screen time, more fishing time!

All the best, - Rebekka