by ShareTheSecret

Created on: April 17, 2008

If you are looking for a great new hobby for your kids, I would suggest taking them fishing! In most communities, you can find a fishing hole somewhere nearby- you may just have to ask someone if you are not sure. Also, in most states, children do not need a license until they are 12 to 16 years old. Need a little incentive? Here are my top 10 reasons that your kids should learn to fish!

1. Fishing teaches them patience! Of course, it may teach you a little patience, too! From sitting still and waiting for the fish to bite, to figuring out how to get that crazy knot out of the line. There are many ways to teach patience.

2. Fishing can create a great bonding time for friends and family. While you are waiting for the fish to bite, you can talk about anything. Use the time for all of those little talks you need to have with your children! It makes a great "Story Time" for all of those "When I was a kid" stories. You might even learn a thing or two about your children's life!

3. Fishing teaches manual dexterity. From tying the knots, to casting a fishing pole, there are many skills that can easily be developed with a little time and patience.

4. Fishing puts food on the table. If the fish are big enough, you can keep them! Fry them up for dinner! Your kids will love learning to cook their own catch! Create your own seasoning or buy some ready made from the store.

5. Fishing can be done any time of the year. You can fish through a hole in the ice in the winter, and from shore or in a boat in spring, summer, or fall.

6. Fishing lessons are usually free or very inexpensive for kids through your local park and recreation department. Check your local municipality for times and dates.

7. Fishing can be done alone! Of course you'll want to make sure there is a safe place for the kids to do this, but you only need ONE person to go fishing!

8. Fishing is even more fun when you make your own lures- or dig for your own worms. That is a whole other part of the experience most people skip! Don't just go to the bait shop! You can create a worm farm in your own back yard.

9. Fishing is good for kids of all ages! As long as they are old enough to hold a fishing pole, they can catch fish!

10. Fishing teaches kids about the environment. They will learn about conservation, and about the environment that the fish live in. They will learn about where the fish tend to be swimming depending on the time of year, or what structures the fish may be hiding under.

I hope this has given you a few great reasons to pick up a pole, and head down to the nearest water hole. Have fun!

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