This year is all about being able to spend more time outdoors with your family. The sudden outbreak of the global pandemic forced everyone to shelter in place for more than a year. Various government restrictions were implemented throughout the health crisis to significantly mitigate the risk of infection from the virus.
As national vaccination rollout programs continue across the country, these restrictions have begun to ease. The end of the pandemic is finally in sight, allowing more people to get out more often. If you have many plans to reconnect with nature in the post-pandemic setting, consider including fishing in your list of family activities. The principles behind fishing can be great tools for parenting as well.
What You’ll Need
With summer rolling in anytime soon, it also presents the perfect season to get your family on the water and catch some fish. It’s important to note that fishing is an activity that primarily requires a lot of gear and know-how, which can be intimidating for most people. Here’s a list of fishing essentials you’ll need to prepare, regardless of skill level.
Cast a Line
Of course, the most crucial part of your gear is composed of the fishing rod and reel. These items can easily be found at any local tackle shop. Purchasinga spinning rod and reel combo is highly recommended for beginners, especially for kids, to easily get everyone on their way to fishing.
If you already have experience, however, you might prefer to build a setup. There is undoubtedly plenty of great equipment readily available out in the market right now. An Ugly Stik rod attached with a Daiwa electric reelis a great overall combination that most experts suggest.
The Little Things
Another essential thing to remember is that fishing will require lots of different tools besides rods and reels. You also have to think about how to draw fish after you’ve cast your line. This is where items like the baits, lures, and bobs come into play.
You can have your kids handle these smaller items, especially if you want to keep them engaged in the activity. The baits you use can either be live or artificial, depending on the policy of your fishing spot. Lures are just supplementary items to make your bait more attractive to fish. Bobs, on the other hand, indicate when you have a fish on the line.
Paperwork
Finally, it’s also vital for everyone in your family to have a current fishing license at the ready. These can usually be bought online or from local fishing shops. The prices will vary depending on the state you’re in and whether you’re going for a day license or an annual license. You could also consider hiring an experienced guide or going with companies that offer fishing tours for families.
Fishing with Family
Fishing has always been a great hobby, and even sport, for a lot of people. It’s the perfect way to enjoy time outside without necessarily exerting too much effort. Well, depending on how seriously you take the activity, that is.
Establishing an interesting hobby to keep your family preoccupied is crucial now, in light of the unfortunate circumstances of the past year. Transitioning to remote working and distance learning has undoubtedly been stressful for everyone. Getting into fishing will allow you to unwind while reapingcountless benefits as well.
Deepening the Bond
Most people typically view fishing as a solitary activity. Contrary to popular belief, however, it’s a hobby that’s best enjoyed with the company of family. While you might have spent more than enough time with family after being indoors for more than a year, that doesn’t necessarily equate to having quality time.
Fishing with your family can serve as an avenue to effectively deepen your familial bonds. Simply being outdoors can relieve a lot of stress and tensions otherwise left unattended at home. It’s excellent for making conversations with one another or just enjoying each other’s company in silence.
Nature Provides
Most people also get into fishing to catch their own food instead of buying from stores and groceries. Being able to catch fresh food can also offer many health benefits, aside from the wellness your family can get from the act alone.
This can also be an excellent way to teach your kids about sustainability while they’re still young. Over the past year, a lot of people have also become conscious of their environmental footprints. More than just being an enjoyable activity, fishing is also about reconnecting and paying tribute to nature.
Hook, Line, Sinker
Family outdoor activities are set to become a big thing throughout the year as the pandemic comes to a close. Making fishing your family’s new hobby will be worthwhile. It’s a relatively simple outdoor activity with minimal investments. Moreover, it helps to provide you with more opportunities to teach kids relevant lessons necessary for the post-pandemic world.
