Get Hooked

Encompassing the peacefulness of the countryside and its total harmony with nature it’s easy to see why so many people get hooked on fishing.  For many, including children, it provides the perfect escape route away from the daily grind towards a mini waterside haven of tranquillity. And, for a child, the excitement of the first bite from a fish can leave such a lasting impression the foundations of a lifelong passion begin to settle in. There’s plenty of evidence to mark the popularity of the sport, as fishing continues to reign as one of the most popular and plentiful sports in Ireland.  The question is - what bait will you cast out to encourage your child to take up this wonderfully calming hobby?    

What age should I take my child fishing?

Of course, all children are different and have varied interests.  Some youngsters are more wary of the water and may need more coaxing, but on the whole, children young enough to belong to Nursery and Reception classes, can grab a net and spend a short while looking for crabs, tadpoles, or other equally slippery water creatures in the rock pools.  As for grasping the basic skills of fishing in the traditional sense, children even as young as six are able, with parental or adult help, to have a go.  As with most activities, children aged eight and up are generally very capable of trying their hand at fishing.

When is the best time to go fishing?

The idea is to provide a teaser session, so although winter fishing is considered to be ‘first class’ by many, it won’t be the best time to take your youngster out in cold, icy conditions.  It’s best to wait until spring. Sea fishing provides superb conditions from May to October, whilst the prime freshwater season runs from Mid June through to October.  Taking place waterside on a warm summer’s evening will be more comfortable for a child. And just as they start to get the first few catches, dusk will enforce a natural end to the day and it will be time to go home.  Chances are, they will have got hooked and will be biting at the bit to try again another time.  Another good time to start, especially if you want to avoid the early evening midges, is during a sunny afternoon, but the same rule applies.  Leave after a few catches.

Where should we fish?

Don’t assume you can fish by any river or stream – you may need a permit!

The vast variety and quality of fishing in Ireland has given the country a reputation of which we are justly proud. Regular fishing reports from all around the country, featuring coarse, sea, pike, trout and salmon fishing reports are available from the Central Fisheries Board at www.cfb.ie

Protected fisheries species in Ireland include salmon, sea trout, sea bass, molluscs, eels and all freshwater fish. State licences are required in order to fish for salmon or sea trout in any part of Ireland, and the only legal way to catch freshwater fish is by rod and line.

Contact your local fishing tackle shop, Regional Fisheries Board or the Central Fisheries board for more information about fishing licences, permits and angling in your area. Another good place to start fishing is with a tutor at a local Angling Club.

What will my child need?

It’s wise not to fork out on any expensive tackle until your child has been a few times.  But a good beginners fishing tool would be a 3 or 4 metre Whip, which has no reel to master and is elasticated which makes it easier to catch fish. These usually retail at around €10 to €20.  You’ll also need a float, some hooks, a landing net to drop the bigger fish into, plus a comfortable chair.  A clear sided container, ideally with a white bottom, will help your child inspect his or her wriggly catch.  And a children’s book on fish will help identify the species.  As far as bait is concerned, the best type are maggots, bits of bread, sweetcorn and luncheon meat – enough to tempt any stray fish!

The First Trip

Make the first experience a mini adventure.  In addition to your fishing equipment, pack a small picnic, some warm rugs, grab some binoculars to spot other wildlife and a camera to capture the first catch. Bring some entertainment in the form of books and toys to pass the time in case it is slow going.  Check the forecast for fine weather and head to a permitted spot where fish are plentiful and a catch is almost guaranteed. Then simply relax and enjoy the quality time together.

Tips for Parents

• Always be aware of the potential dangers of water.
• Remember hooks are very sharp so it’s best to make your child aware they can easily catch someone’s eye! 
• Always supervise your child near the water.
• Provide instructions (or an instructor) in advance.
• Wrap your child up warmly and provide a lifejacket for when they are close to the water’s edge.
• Go somewhere where there is plenty of fish.  Children don’t care what they catch, as long as they catch something.
• Remember no two days are the same, so if the fish aren’t biting one day, you can always come back and try again another day.
• Be ‘sun smart’ on hot sunny days – ensure you drink plenty of water and use suntan lotion.

 By Kirsty Woodgate