Monday, August 8, 2011

Take a Kid Fishing in Southern Ontario


Squeals of laughter and beaming faces full of wonder, there are few delights in the outdoors that can match the look on the face of a youngster with a fish throbbing on the end of a line.  Fishing with kids is the time to put your own needs aside; teach them, learn from them, watch them, and enjoy them.

The mistake that many adults make when taking kids fishing is expecting them to act, and react, as we would.  I often hear parents berating a child for throwing stones in the water, poking at the worms, not paying attention to their line, or making too much noise.  Maybe it’s just me, but I always thought the goal was to have fun.  Keep that in mind and a magical bond will form that lasts a lifetime.  You’ll find that even fishing with your older kids opens the door to a world that only you can share. 

Make safety your number one concern.  Every year children die unnecessarily because they have been put in unsafe conditions or because adults are focused on their own enjoyment instead of enjoying the kids.  Even when fishing in a small pond it is a good idea to ensure that small children wear a lifejacket.  It is even more important when fishing from a boat.  Children move fast and constant supervision is a must.

Ever see the guy holding the $300 fishing combo that somehow thinks the five dollar cartoon character special is good enough for the kids.  If you wouldn’t fish with a particular piece of equipment chances are the kids won’t enjoy it either.  Broken rods, reels, and tangled line is not the best way to introduce a youngster to the enjoyment of fishing.  Kids get distracted easily, they also get turned off easily if equipment doesn’t work properly.  Fishing with poor quality equipment certainly isn’t fun.  Shop for value; not just price.

Kids – especially young kids – just want to catch fish.  They don’t care if it’s a rainbow trout or a rock bass and it shouldn’t matter to the adults either.  A kid sitting on the bank reeling in bluegill one after another is sure to equate fun with fishing.  On the other hand sitting in a boat for hours on end in the rain trolling for musky is a sure way to turn them off.  Fishing is an evolution and the bottom rung of the ladder is to have fun.  There is plenty of time to teach children the intricacies of fishing when they get a bit older and begin to look for more of a challenge.

A weekend trip to a cottage or campground can be a great way to introduce youngsters to the joys of fishing.  However, it likely isn’t a good idea to drag kids along on a daytrip that requires several hours in the car.  Take them on a short trip to the local reservoir, stream, or river.  You’ll keep their attention and you’ll both have a great time.  That being said, pick a time when you’re both in a good mood and ready to share an adventure.  If you’re already stressed from work or little Johnny has a cold and is in a bad mood, leave fishing for another day.  Remember that fun is the first criteria and if one of you isn’t in the mood to have fun it may be better to do something else.  I often found that spontaneous fishing trips with my two boys were the most memorable.

Dress for the weather – and bug – conditions.  Layered clothes are a good idea, especially if you are starting out earlier in the morning and expecting the day to warm up.  Throw some rainwear in as well, just in case.  If the day is bright and sunny, sunscreen and a hat with a broad brim is an necessity.  It is essential to ensure that everyone is comfortable and to ensure this defense against the great northern mosquito hoards is also a necessity.  Many a great fishing trip has been completely ruined by black flies, deer flies, and mosquitoes.  There are a great many products on the market and let your own feelings towards the use of products containing “deet”.  Products with lower concentrations of “deet” are available for young children as are many products that do not contain “deet”.  Whatever your preference be sure you have some along.  A bug jacket is also a good idea.  They’re inexpensive, light weight, and they work.  Don’t forget to pack some drinks and snacks, in fact some “surprise” snacks, that the kids don’t often get at home will add the experience.

So touch a worm, toss a rock, and have the time of their life.

10 Rules of Fishing with Kids

1.    Let them have fun
2.    Be sure they wear a lifejacket (not a bad idea to wear yours too) and are well supervised.
3.    Buy good quality equipment.
4.    Kids want quantity not quality.
5.    Go someplace close, avoid long drives for a few hours of fishing.
6.    Listen to what they have to say and share their experiences
7.    Make suggestions, not demands and explain why.
8.    Take lots of bug spray, sunscreen, and wear a hat.
9.    Pack some drinks and snacks.
10. Show…don’t tell…them that fishing is fun!

©2011 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

PURE FISHING PRODUCTS WIN BIG AT ICAST SHOW


Pure Fishing® products claimed five individual awards at this year’s ICAST show in Las Vegas, Nev. Winning products include Berkley® NanoFil®, the Abu Garcia® Revo® MGX™, Sebile® D&S Crank and the Shakespeare® Casting Game and Sound Kits.

NanoFil added to a long list of awards by claiming the Best of Show and Best New Line award. Berkley NanoFil has been on many award lists, winning the Innovation Of The Year Award at Europe’s EFTTEX Show.

The Abu Garcia Revo MGX is the lightest baitcast reel on the market at a mere 5.4 ounces. The Revo MGX was recognized by the voters as the top new freshwater reel for 2012.

Sebile’s D&S Crank has already won the 2011 NANTES (Europe) Best Hard Lure and Best of Show. The D&S Crank was awarded the Best Hard Lure at ICAST. The unique shape of the D&S Crank makes this lure a favorite when fishing deep waters or where there is lots of structure.

Not to be outdone, the Shakespeare Sound Fishing Kits were awarded with the Best Kids Tackle at this year’s show. These unique kits are highly interactive, which gives young anglers the opportunity to have more fun while learning the sport of fishing.

The awards are given each year to the best products in each category, which is voted on by select ICAST attendees that includes active editorial journalists and retailers.

Thanks to Chris Hockley, Pure Fishing’s Canadian Marketing Manager

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Rivermouth Bows

It's mid-March and the spring runoff is in full swing. Those currents surging into the lakes from the river mouths is sure to get those early spring run rainbows racing up the rivers. Here in Southern Ontario we're blessed with a multitude of venues for early spring fishing long before the regular season opens at the end of April.

One thing to consider before you head out is that the water will be cold, in fact the water will only be a few degrees above freezing. A fall into those temperatures can immobilize your legs in seconds and the cold water shock can even stop your heart. Never venture near early spring rivers or lakes without some type of floatation. If you're on the rocks use a floater suit; if you're wadding use a convenient lightweight inflatable life jacket. Safety is number one; don't become a statistic.

Be sure to check your local regulations but here's a few that might be worth trying over the next few weeks:

Meaford Harbour – The sheltered harbor and extensive break-wall provide a perfect opportunity to fish for early season bows without even getting your feet wet.

Owen Sound Harbour – Fishing along the outer harbor walls, near where the Chi-Cheemaun docks for the winter can produce some great early season action.

Saugeen River – There is a significant stretch of river in Southampton that is open to year-round fishing. Check the regs because the actual year-round area has changed on occasion. This river can be treacherous in the spring so be extremely careful is you choose to wade.

You can check out these an more Southern Ontario fishing destination on the Southern Ontario Outdoors website.

Whenever you have a chance to get out, Southern Ontario rivers are the place to do it. And remember the old adage "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at the office anytime!"

©2011 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions