GET THEM HOOKED FOR LIFE!
Mum of two and the daughter of a fishery owner, Zenia Drury-Gregorek reveals her top tips for getting kids, and families, into fishing for the first time...
THINK AHEAD: Keep things as simple and uncomplicated as you can and ensure you only take what you need. Once you’ve chosen a fishery, find out what sort of swims are there (grass, stone, woodchip etc) so you know what sort of ground you’ll be fishing on and what footwear you’ll all need. Also, check the on-site facilities.
BE COMFORTABLE: Make sure you all have a chair. Realistically, you TEACH THEM FISH CARE:
As any newcomer starts their journey, it’s down to us to show them how to look after their catch. Teach them how to hold a fish correctly (kneeling down over a wet unhooking mat) as well as showing them how you unhook the fish and release it safely. won’t be doing much sitting, but your ‘students’ for the day hopefully will be. Try to get chairs that are comfortable, lightweight and easy to carry. Remember to take lots of snacks, and liquids to keep everyone hydrated too.
TAKE SUITABLE CLOTHING: Get wet or cold and it’s game over, so if the weather is changeable make sure everyone has waterproofs and warm clothing, and take extra pairs of socks just in case somebody gets a welly full! If it’s going to be hot and sunny, take hats and sun block because water reflects UV rays and you can easily burn… even at Easter!
EASE THEM INTO IT: Always start with short sessions and break these up with other activities if need be. Remember, an hour is quite a long time for small kids, so initially an hour or two will be enough. When you go for longer sessions, take breaks in between, whether it be for a walk or a bit of wildlife spotting!
KEEP IT SIMPLE: Don’t overcomplicate things early on, because confusing people is a sure way to put them off. Try floatfishing to begin with – a short pole set-up is perfect, as you get fewer tangles and kids love watching a float.
GO SMALL FOR STARTERS: Don’t target bigger fish right away, just concentrate on getting bites and catching the smaller stuff. It’s about showing people how much fun fishing can be, plus you don’t want to spoil them too early on in their fishing career. They should build up gradually to catching bigger fish so they appreciate the challenge and cherish the day they catch new personal bests.
MAKE IT FUN: If you’re taking young kids, play games and take in the beauty around you. Whether you play I-spy, or count birds or dragonflies, there’s always something fun to try. Above all, mix your day up with other stuff. The saying that fishing isn’t just about catching is so true!
KEEP CALM: There’s rarely a dull moment fishing with kids, and there are times when it all goes wrong, with a few tangles or tantrums on the bank! If it does, don’t worry. Keep calm, have a break – we’re all human and we all make mistakes!
DON’T FORCE THINGS: Everybody is different and not all take to fishing like ducks to water. Remember, you want them to enjoy fishing for the long run, and so try not to turn it into a battle.