“Take me fishing. Because my wedding will be sooner than you think. Take me fishing. And show me that worms aren't icky. Take me fishing. You can think about work later. Take me fishing. Because I get the giggles when the boat bounces. Take me fishing. Because my wedding will be sooner than you think.” A quote from Water Works Wonders that has stayed with me for sometime now. I am the proud father of three kids, two daughters and one son. My son is autistic and his love of the lake has absolutely nothing to do with a rod and reel unfortunately. I have been blessed to have two girls that have not been completely corrupted by their mother in the womanly wonders of the mall, shopping, and spending. Now don't misunderstand me, my two girls do enjoy these things, but once in a blue moon I get the magical opportunity to take them to the lake and drop a line.

First things first, the actual fishing is a long distant second to the time we get with our kids. If you can keep this in mind the experience will be lifelong. This is not as easy as it sounds, I have found out. I've had my middle daughter, Searra, set the hook eight or ten times, she played with the drag earlier so much she was almost spooled, and she went around the boat three times with the same 4 pound bass. This event lasted at least four or five minutes and I lost count of how many times I thought it would be so much easier for me to just “get it in the boat!”. Searra had her picture taken with her trophy fish (half her size at the age of 7 when she caught it) and it proudly hangs on the wall in her room. Toni Danielle, my oldest, has schooled me every time we have gone by at least three to one. She will not only never forget this, but she is always there as a constant reminder as I head out the door with a rod in my hand. She needs never to know that it was only a rare opportunity I got to get my line wet was because I was ensuring that everything she needed was done. That is not what is remembered about our fishing trips, she remembers beating dad, spending time on the water, enjoying nature and occasionally catching a fish.

Through experience I have managed to make a lot of mistakes in how to take kids fishing, so learn from my mistakes and lesson the trauma on yourself. Believe you me this is an event that will be cherished forever, but it is not without pain…

Do your research and find out the “hot bite” and “hot bait”. Don't go fishing for trout in mid-summer and don't even try to rely on those TV super baits. Bring a camera (catch and release), extra clothes (think about it; kids + water = more clothes) snacks, and a cell phone if you have one. It is OK for them to call mom or a friend to brag. It may be easier with older kids to try night fishing. The bite is usually much better, and no need to wake them up at 0330 to catch the morning bite! Make sure you check their equipment and ensure that they have good line and sharp hooks. There isn't much worse than missing fish after fish because of something that could have been prevented. Put a rubber band around your wrist to remind yourself this is a day of bonding and not fishing. Use the rubber band to snap your wrist when you forget this, then apologize. If you are fishing from a boat, limit the amount of gear up on the deck (number of rods, tackle, clothes, shoes, etc…). Most of this stuff does not float when accidentally kicked overboard when they try and see how far their head goes under water. Plan for the whole day. Don't rush to get no where. Take the time enroute to the water to get hot chocolate and doughnuts. Take a break for McDonalds in the middle of the day (yes it does constitute a drive there and back). Take the scenic, less traveled route home if available and get take out to bring home so stories can be told to the whole family over dinner. If you can't control yourself and have to fish, try and only bring one child per trip. Two or more kids under ten and the odds of your fishing helping the situation are dismal.

These are some things to take into consideration when taking kids fishing, whether they are yours or not. Best rule of thumb is to remember that it is a day together, enjoying each other's company, not just a day of fishing. Never forget that our children are our most precious resource and what we do, or fail to do, will forever stay part of their lives. Help them learn how to make the environment a better place and at the same time you will be developing a life long relationship. Take advantage of every opportunity… because my wedding will be sooner than you think.