The Future of Fishing with Pro Angler Mike Williams

With warm weather finally hitting Cottage Country, the countdown to summer vacation is on, and many parents ask, “How do I get my child excited about fishing, and keep their interest piqued while on the water?” If you’ve tried this, you know it can be challenging, to say the least.

While out on Stoney Lake guiding the Carters – a father and daughter duo – I encouraged them to share some insight, asking 9-year-old Paige what got her interested in fishing. Instantly she replied “I like to eat the fish”, which caught me a little off guard – fewer kids seem to be eating fish these days. That put a smile on my face and I replied that the usual response is “I like catching fish”. We continued brainstorming this topic while we cast our lines and fished the morning away.

Here are some ideas we came up with to help get kids into fishing: 

1. Make it Positive!
Introduce kids to fishing with a positive experience, make it fun and successful. Pick a day with nice conditions, and keep the first experience short and sweet – you don’t want them to get bored and lose interest quickly.

2. Keep it Simple and Easy
For example, start small with a hook, worm and a bobber, and target pan fish from the dock, they are usually very plentiful and willing to bite. Pan fish keep the action fast and furious, to the point the adults get tired of taking fish after fish off lines, and baiting hooks.

3. Encouragement and Reward
Praise kids for making a good cast, catching a fish or simply for showing patience and sticking with it. Maybe introduce a reward for their persistence – like ice cream. (I still do this sometimes with clients and get just as excited for them when they catch a fish.)

We also came up with these tips to keep kids interested when introducing them to longer outings:

1. Snacks – Always Snacks!
Pack lots of your childs favorite snacks, a healthy lunch and lots of drinks and water. Keeping hydration levels high and food in their belly helps keep focus and prolong patience.

2. Take Breaks
Taking a break from fishing is important to young children. Take them for boat rides, bring swimming attire or plan another activity to help break up the day.

3. Appropriate Attire
Dress in layers, bring sunscreen, sun glasses and hats. Keep kids comfortable and protected from the sun; conditions can change quickly and frequently on the water.

4. It’s all in the Company

Sometimes it helps children focus having someone their own age around. Time passes more quickly, and is more enjoyable with friends around.  Friendly competitions on who catches the first/biggest/most fish keeps fishing interesting and exciting!!

This trip made me think about the reason I enjoy fishing so much. Our youth are the future of everything in the world, including fishing. Introducing young people to our sport is vital to securing its future. Encouraging them to respect our resources will ensure responsible fishing for generations to come. Thank you to the Carters for your valuable input.

Cheers, Happy Fishing and tight lines

Mike Williams, Pro Angler & Owner of Williams Outfitters in Curve Lake First Nation 
www.williamsoutfitters.com