It’s hard to fathom just how many youngsters got their collective fishing beginnings with a cane pole, a bobber and some nightcrawler worms dug up in the garden or flower box.
Bluegills were just that important in a kid’s world.
Despite all of the new technologies that are out there, it is unarguably the top way kids got their start in the angling world.
But the thing is, not every youngster has a dad or mom – or any other family member – who ranks freshwater fishing above all else.
Many consider saltwater action fishings the first choice.
And in a region surrounded and filled with salt and brackish water, it only seems right.
So with that in mind, what does an adult do to introduce their younguns to angling?
It’s got to be simple and easy, it’s got to be readily available and it’s got to be consistent enough to keep a child interested.
Those of you with children know just how easy it is for kids to end up distracted.
With all other starts to fishing, saltwater catches need to be easy and often. Size rarely matters, as kids are just thrilled to have something pulling on their line.
In the saltwater world, that typically means spot and croaker – both readily willing to play and, at this time of year, high in numbers.
Use lighter tackle to make the thrill, well, more thrilling.
When a fish is tugging hard and the drag is singing, youngsters get excited – adults even more so.
And the more the kids catch, the more they are likely to get hooked by the sport and have fishing in their lifelong blood.
Such things have got to be better than watching your kids glued to the television playing video games while more of the others are outside playing with friends.
I knew that my first bluegill wasn’t anything to jump or scream about, but that’s exactly what I did. And I’ve loved the sport for more than 60 years since.
The Southside’s three inlets – Rudee, Lynnhaven and Little Creek – are great places to lay down the foundation.
Be patient, give praise and cherish the smiles and excitement. Take lots of pictures.
And maybe one day, when they’re older and so are you, there might be a planned trip that brings back all those wonderful memories.
It’s one of the most fantastic things a family can do.
