After school and activity centre closures, online learning and an increased reliance on technology for entertainment, it is imperative children recover their skills and fitness hindered by lockdowns. Fishing is a perfect solution to the impact COVID-19 has had on young people – it encourages children to spend more time outside, socialise and learn new things. If the following benefits appeal to you and your child, why not give fishing a go and read our tips on how to plan a successful first outing?
Benefits of fishing in children Fishing lets children learn essential life skills Many children expect instant gratification from being accustomed to on-demand technology. Fishing requires children to be patient, which increases their satisfaction and self-esteem when they eventually catch a fish. It shows them how failure (to catch a fish) must be overcome by perseverance – teaching them to cope better with disappointment. For younger children in particular, fishing can help them develop motor skills. Balancing on a boat and holding a rod requires hand-eye coordination and the usage of both sides of the body, aiding cognitive development. A child’s reflexes and dexterity are also improved through learning engineering and survival skills such as knot tying. Children can develop greater independence as their confidence increases with each catch. You may eventually choose to let your child organise some outings, choosing where to fish, which bait to use and when to reel in. Increased concentration from fishing enhances their work ethic and has been proven especially beneficial to children with ADHD.
Fishing improves your child’s mental and physical health Spending time outdoors reduces the negative impact technology and blue light have on children, minimising sleep difficulties. Children can learn to appreciate nature’s beauty and form a stronger bond with family and friends through in-person, rather than online, conversations, improving their communication skills and mental health. The exercise undertaken while fishing positively tires out hyperactive children and creates an outlet to relieve stress that they can use in the future. Fishing can be a great substitute for the lack of organised children’s sports running due to COVID-19, tackling the childhood obesity epidemic while being an easy sport to undertake while socially distanced.
Fishing teaches children fundamental lessons Fishing encourages children to gain a respect for their surroundings that is essential for preserving the environment for future generations. By learning about ethical ways to catch and release fish, they will acquire a sense of responsibility that acknowledges the importance of conserving fish stocks for the stability of aquatic ecosystems. Fishing can help younger children with colour recognition through exposure to different marine wildlife species. Learning about where their food comes from will encourage them to never discard fish wastefully by only catching the amount needed.
(Thank you: seaanglingclassic.com)
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