This past Saturday marked the beginning of fall and National Hunting and Fishing Day, but for several kids out at Evans County Public Fishing Area, it was a day filled with fun, laughter, and fishing. The Ogeechee Technical College Wildlife Club and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources partnered up to host the second kid’s fishing event of the year. Many kids were back at the PFA enjoying another day fishing, while a few were able to catch their very first fish!
When arriving, the pond sat silent, the morning was just beginning, the sun was barely in the sky, and the dew was still along the grass. Few anglers were out just yet, but the energy was already building. The Wildlife Club signed everyone in and gave each kid a hat, and then each one split up and found their spot. Soon, the sounds of laughter and fishing rods being cast were filling the air. From across the pond, the stir of excitement could be seen as the first catch of the day was being reeled in.
Before long, other kids were joining in on the excitement as they reeled in more fish. Stringers were being filled and smiles were wide as ever. As time went by, several first-time catches were made, and each was gifted with a certificate for their first fish by the Georgia DNR. The morning ended with a lunch provided by the OTC Wildlife Club and Georgia DNR. The pavilion was filled with tiny little voices and conversations of their morning. There really is nothing that can quite explain just how amazing the morning was for many little anglers and their families!
“Fishing is not about the fish you catch, it’s about the memories you make.” -Unknown
On average, children spend less than ten minutes of uninterrupted, unstructured play outdoors each day. The remainder of their free is spent indoors, usually in front of a screen. So how can we get kids involved with the outdoors and create outdoors kids in a screen-filled world? How do you kids benefit from fishing?
Nearly all current adult anglers were exposed to fishing as a child, making it a crucial time to introduce them to the sport. Not only does fishing get them outside, but it can also help build their confidence. The ability for them to have control of what they are doing helps to build that self-confidence. In a world lacking confidence, teach them the ability to take control of their feelings, even if it is through the sport of fishing.
Fishing helps them to have quality time with a parent or loved one. In the modern world, we are always on the go, forgetting to slow down and spend time with one another. This begins to affect our time spent with our children. Going outside, setting aside several hours, and fishing can help prevent that time from slipping away. When you are fishing with kids, you are providing them with quality time and the ability to slow down and talk. The time waiting for that bobber to disappear or that fish to catch will fly by, but those memories are everlasting.
Getting kids involved in the outdoors at a young age also teaches them to respect wildlife, while instilling a sense of adventure. When they partake in outdoor activities, they begin to want to preserve it. When they see you preserving wildlife and treating it with respect, they grow up wanting to do the same for the next generation. This knowledge transfers from one generation to the next and creates a life of adventure and appreciation.
Whether you are spending the day fishing or just appreciating the outdoors, remember that those memories are being engraved in those little hearts, preparing them for an adventurous life.
