Five Reasons Fishing Should be a Family Affair

​Taking the kids fishing in San Angelo and west Texas can feel like a daunting task. Fishing typically invokes images of a peaceful lake or a bubbling stream and the feeling of relaxation. When you add children to the mix, the scene gets a lot more interesting and, potentially, a whole lot less relaxing. Even so, taking the family fishing can be a very rewarding experience that everyone will remember for years to come. Below are five reasons why it pays to fish as a family.
 
Spending Time Outdoors: Fishing is a great way to encourage even very young children to get outside and have fun. Once children of any age land their first fish there is a good chance they will be "hooked" for life. Since spending more time outdoors can lead to a healthier, active lifestyle, the whole family will benefit from every trip.
 
Bonding: Families that play together, stay together. Fishing is a great way to spend time together while working towards a common goal. It is an excellent time to talk with older children about what is going on in their lives and younger children will enjoy the attention of being taught how to cast, bait, or reel in a fish.
 
Building Confidence: When a child reels in that first fish on their own, they feel a strong sense of accomplishment. No matter how big the fish is, the fact that they did it is sure to make them swell with pride. Being able to do an activity well, on their own, will help them build the confidence they need to tackle other aspects of life.
 
Teachable Moments: Many important lessons and skills can be taught through fishing. Making a contest of who can catch the most fish can help children learn sportsmanship. Tying knots to secure hooks and swivels can be difficult and requires persistence. However, since the fish must come to you, the most obvious lesson learned through fishing is patience.
 
Stories and Memories: Remarkable events are almost a guarantee when you go fishing as a family. Whether it's that Dad forgot to put the cooler in the car, one person got the most fish when no one else caught anything, or that sudden storm that rolled in just as you arrived, there are always events that will make each trip a standout occasion to be retold at family gatherings for years to come.
 
Fishing as a family promises a very different adventure than fishing alone but it is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. It provides an opportunity to spend time together in the fresh air, build a child's confidence, and strengthen family bonds. The memories made and lessons learned will stay with the entire family for a lifetime.