Open water, fresh air, and a picnic basket full of treats are often the perfect recipe for a fantastic family outdoors activity.
There's a lot of truth in the old saying "if you give a man a fish, you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". Not every child is cut out for playing lots of team sports outside so fishing could be the perfect answer for fresh air and activity.
The first thing you could do before you go fishing is practice in the back garden. While it might sound silly to practice fishing with no fish or no water, your child can learn to hold their fishing rod. One of the biggest mistakes children make is not holding their rod correctly and not keeping a tight enough line.
Children, of all ages will love fishing. However, children aged six and above are the perfect age to go fishing. They are strong enough to cast a rod and have the dexterity to hold the rod and reel of a fishing line. Younger children might just enjoy a simple net at the beach, trying to catch anything that floats!
If you fish, then consider bringing your children to your favourite spot. If you don’t fish, then how about scouting for places together? Make it an adventure as you explore your local area for fishing hotspots.
Decide what you’re going to go fishing for – Ireland offers a variety of fishing such as salmon fishing, course fishing, pike fishing and sea fishing. In fact, according to Angling Ireland, Ireland is recognised as being the outstanding fishing holiday destination in Europe.
Angling Ireland is a great site to give you information on where best to fish and is a great source of information on fishing regulations and fishing licenses.
Once you’ve decided where you’re going, then it’s time to get ready. Pack up fishing gear, camping chair, picnic blankets, picnics, first aid kit, sunglasses, sunhats, suncream, and waterproofs the night before you head off. It adds to the excitement and reduces stress in the morning.
When fishing with children, safety is always a priority. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Stay well back from the water
While it might be tempting to go into the water, especially if it looks like velvet on a summer’s day, you don’t know the current underneath the water so stay safe.
Wear a life jacket or vest
Accidents and slips happen - a life jacket or vest is a must.
Wear warm clothes
Ireland often has four seasons in one day so best to dress prepared. Wear a waterproof jacket and lots of layers. Pack the warm, dry clothes in plastic bags – just in case the bag falls into the water!
Bring a phone
Carry a phone with you so people can always stay in contact.
Once you have the safety measures in place, then it’s time to start fishing. Fishing is a patience game so it’s a good time to talk to your children about this much-needed virtue. While it always looks good on TV, an overhead cast is not ideal for children, a sidearm cast is much safer.
When your children feel a fish, let them take control. Be there to help them reel it in but let them bring it in. The sense of pride and achievement is written all over their faces. With the obligatory photos taken, it’s time to throw the fish back in or if taken home, show your children how to store a fish correctly.
Always bring a picnic. While you want the fish to nibble at your bait, you’d be surprised how hungry a child can get when fishing. Pack lots of snacks to keep the energy levels up. Always, always leave no trace and bring your rubbish home.
Above all, have fun. Even if no fish are caught, surrounding yourself in nature and having chats together is a great day after all.
For more information, check out this Challenge Information Sheet. To get your cert at the end of your bike ride, visit the TRTÉ website by clicking here.
All Dillon's Challenges should take place within current Covid 19 Government guidelines.
