Depending on where you live you might feel like fishing weather is still far off. Of course, you can go fishing in any type of weather, but how you fish and what you can catch will vary. Because fish are cold-blooded they move more slowly in cold water, so if you prefer to fish for striker fish when it’s cold you may not have much luck! The good news is, Spring is coming! Are you ready?
Here in Central Texas it’s definitely starting to feel a lot more like Spring! We accidentally left all of our fishing gear at my Grandparents’ Lake House on Lake Livingston, though!! So although the weather is perfect, our fishing gear is 3 hours away! Otherwise, we’d already be getting ready! By getting ready I mean we’d be checking our equipment like our poles and lines, hooks, sinkers, lures, bobbers, etc. We would evaluate if there are things that need to be replaced. I already know our daughter will be getting a new pole this year! We also evaluate if there is anything else we may need such as a new cooler, fillet knives, etc. Not all of what we decide is based just on the fishing equipment but on the fishing trips as a whole. What things can make our trips easier with the kids? Do they need new buckets, shovels, nets, etc.? How our fishing goes as a whole depends greatly on what the kids are doing and if they are entertained! We can do a few of these evaluations because we at least know what we have and what we left over there. So, it’s time to start thinking about everything and getting ready!
I’m so excited not JUST because the weather is getting nicer for fishing again but because I just love Spring in general! It’s not yet too hot (which actually does become a problem here when it comes to fishing as well!) and is not too cold. Just beautiful weather! I love spending time outdoors! What are you doing to get ready for Spring and getting ready for some Spring Fishing?
Fishing Fridays – an educational experience
For today’s Fishing Fridays I want to share how fishing can be an educational experience. I always knew that it was because kids obviously learn a lot from hands on experience, but this week I actually realized HOW much they have learned through our time out fishing! We are learning about sea animals in Science, and a couple of questions came up that I was able to compare to our experiences! They already know different types of fish and other creatures exist in the water, and they’ve had the hands on experience and the chance to explore! When we were talking about creatures that live in the water that don’t swim they were easily able to come up with an example – and laugh about the fact that “daddy caught a clam” once! There really is nothing quite like personal experience!
I wanted to share a few points to maximize learning experiences while fishing:
- Let them explore. Obviously, it’s important to keep a close eye on them, particularly younger kids, but you can cast a few and enjoy your time fishing while the kids explore near by!
- Talk about everything! Not only are we teaching them to fish, but we’re teaching them so much more. Share it! Talk about what is going on with the water – is it high tide or low tide? How can you tell? What type of fish have you caught? Share facts about the fish. Talk about the little frogs you see. Talk about the noises you hear around you. Remember it’s not just about the fish, there is A LOT around you that you can share like plants, bugs, wild cows (OK, maybe not everywhere, but they’re abundant here in Central Texas), birds, etc. Everything you see and hear is a possibility to learn something new!
- Give them hands on experience. Take cues from you child(ren). Maybe they’re not interested in touching the fish or the worms, but maybe they are! Give them the option! Let them play in the dirt, stack the rocks, etc. Again, maximize your experience on your surroundings, and let them explore hands on!
- Talk about patience. Patience is always a tough subject particularly for younger kids, but fishing is obviously a good real-life experience to learn patience. You can also use that time to show them smart (quiet!) ways to use their time while they are patiently waiting!
- Equip them with “tools.” We always have a few fun “tools” for the kids to use besides their fishing poles. We have little nets, buckets, shovels, etc. You would be surprised how they can use their imagination and use each tool for multiple activities!
- Have fun! Not only is it a great learning experience, it’s a great time to spend time together. Enjoy that time! Kids remember more when they associate it with fun!
For more great educational ideas visit:
Fishing Fridays – 10 Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
I know it’s been a while since I made a “Fishing Fridays” post, but it’s time to bring them back! Today I have an awesome guest post with some great tips for beginners!
Fishing: 10 Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Fishing can decrease stress, enhance relationships, and provide a great meal for dinner. Even the best anglers in the world had to start somewhere, and nearly all of them learned their lessons the hard way. Making mistakes is only human, but there are several rookie errors that novice fishermen tend to commit early on that can be avoided.
1) Talking, moving, rocking, and remaining conspicuous. Fishing is a simplified version of hunting and in both exercises stealth is paramount. Keep as silent as possible, do not move unless necessary, and pay attention to the water and the movement of fish.
2) Guessing every time you cast. Know what fish you want to catch on your line and tailor your location, your bait, and your line to the fish you want. You will better catch a salmon on different lures than you would a trout, even if you could catch both on one lure.
3) Showing up at imprecise times. There are periods of the year when fish are less susceptible to hunger pangs or to attacking a lure with aggression. Know when your quarry’s breeding times are and when their metabolism slows down.
4) Ignoring the weather. Pressure caused by moving air currents and precipitation will affect a fish’s behavior because they can sense it from beneath the water. Changes in temperature, wind, and tides all factor into a catch.
5) Casting a meal that is not appetizing. Some fish will go out of their way to snatch bait like blood worms, while others will turn away from a meal because it is not on their desired menu.
6) Not watching the environment around you. Birds’ behaviors will tell you a lot about the best time to catch fish— resting, inactive birds are a good bet that the fish are incognito. Insects swarming around the surface suggest nobody below is hungry.
7) Not choosing power or finesse. Some anglers enjoy a challenge with jerk baits; others work best with drop lures. Choose your style that best fits your skills.
8) Keeping the plan in the face of failure. Every fisherman should constantly evaluate and re-evaluate their casts. Know different casts, different locations, and different times that could be more effective.
9) Overpaying for supplies. The clerks at fishing stores want you to pay the most for rod, reel, and bait. Saving money with second-hand gear does not result in fewer catches, provided the material is in good condition.
10) Not looking for help. Other fishermen are often eager to share their advice and secrets, even if it means having to listen to a lengthy story of failure or success with a big haul.
A little preparation can result in a better catch. For info on chartered fishing, visit www.cabofishingcharters.net
Fishing Fridays – Guest Post
Today’s Fishing Friday is a guest post from Melissa at Adventures with Captain Destructo! Thanks for sharing, Melissa!
My dad always told me that the secret to building a strong relationship with your children is to find some common interests with them. For me and my dad, this was two things: fishing and horse racing (which is another blog post all together.) He first started taking me fishing when I was just young.
When I was around five, I won a fishing derby that he entered me in. I remember I was wearing a jean jacket since it was cool that day. I was probably 6 since this was in the spring of 1989. I had fished for hours without so much as a bite. Right before the time was up, I caught a small mouth bass. It was a puny little thing, but I was so happy that I had at least caught a fish during a fishing derby.
Well they were giving out the awards and we were getting ready to leave since obviously with my one tiny fish, I wasn’t going to win the fishing derby. Lo and behold right before we left they called my name. What my dad didn’t realize is that there was also an award for largest, smallest, etc fish. I won in my age division for smallest fish caught!
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| The trophy was at least three times the size of the fish I caught |
Another fun fishing memory that my dad and I still talk about to this day was the time I told him I had a big fish on my line. We were fishing up in northern Michigan and the lake we were at had tons of seaweed that we kept getting snagged on. He was sure that I had just gotten snagged. I started reeling it in and got to the point that I couldn’t reel anymore. Then my dad notices my line going back and forth all over the place. He helped me get it in and it was a huge large mouth bass. If I learned nothing else from my father (and I learned a lot don’t get me wrong) it was to bait my own hook and take my own fish off. He didn’t have time to let me be a girly girl when we were out fishing.
My husband is also a big fisher and hopefully our son will grow up fishing as well. I look forward to when he is big enough to take fishing. It will be good family time and bonding time with the little man. Plus what is better than a day out on the lake/river/pond with the sun on your face and a cool breeze in your hair?