TAKE A KID FISHING
Do you know that there are more than 4.2 million recreational fishers in Australia. Fishing is a wonderful outdoor pastime and once a child has been taught to enjoy it, the benefits will stay with them for the rest of their life. In this day and age young children are subject to a continuous bombardment of intelligent technology, social media brainwash and computer chaos. Their fragile young minds need an escape…and fishing is a perfect way for them to achieve this.
Fishing is much more than just catching a fish. It is learning about an aquatic environment that is under severe threat from humanity. About the earth’s unique marine environs and how to improve the delicate ecosystems that abound in our country’s oceans, rivers, and estuaries. The younger our children become involved in this, the more the chance our Mother Earth will survive the onslaught.
To make fishing with kids a fun and successful experience, focus on making it an adventure with brief sessions. Use lures and soft plastics, teach them how to gather live bait (this is half the fun) and be patient and encouraging. Plan for one or two hours initially, then gradually increase the duration as they get more comfortable and begin to understand what they are doing. Prioritize fun and engagement, over catching a lot of fish, and teach them catch and release to make the experience more enjoyable.
MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE : Incorporate the fishing trip with a picnic, or Bar B Q.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET : Make the initial sessions 1 or 2 hours (they get bored very quickly, especially if the fish are not co-operating). Take a book or dare I say an iPAD, with you.
END ON A HIGH NOTE : Try and finish the trip with a memorable moment, talk about the catch of the day, or the one that got away.
The Sunshine Coast is most fortunate to have four main river and estuary systems. They are the Noosa River, the Maroochy River, the Mooloolah River, and the Pumice stone Passage. All these systems are extremely healthy and abound in fish life. My favourite system is the Maroochy River which is centrally located on the Sunshine Coast entering the ocean at Maroochydore. There are plenty of places on the Maroochy River that lend themselves to land-based fishing. At the river mouth on the Maroochydore side (southern side) you have access to the river at Cotton Tree with nice sandy beaches and jetties along a 2 km stretch. On the North shore you have sandy beaches that follow the river from the boat ramp at the end of Nojoor Road, downstream to Pin Cushion Island. Other land-based family fishing spots are Picnic Point Esplanade, with pleasant beach entry to the river. Chambers Island, situated off Bradman Ave Maroochydore, is nearby and has a connecting jetty to the mainland which makes it an instant adventure destination. Live bait can be obtained at both these venues in the form of yabbies and soldier crabs. You could expect to catch all the estuary bread and butter species such as whiting, bream and flathead at these locations.
GEAR AND EQUIPMENT : Use light tackle, sharp hooks, and quality terminal tackle to minimize tangles and allow kids to fish effectively. You can buy good cheap rod and reel combos especially designed for kids. Start with the basics, teach them basic casting, reeling and knot tying.
EDUCATE ABOUT FISH : Teach them the different fish species, their size limits and handling techniques and the importance of sustainable fishing and catch and release. Involve your kids in the planning…let them choose their own lures or tackle. Encourage questions and curiosity. Answer their questions about fishing and nature and you will create a positive and enjoyable experience that will last a lifetime. Have Fun and Tight Lines…Best Regards Mal McKinlay.
