(BPT) - When you love fishing, taking your loved ones out on the water might just be one of life's greatest joys. There's simply nothing better than spending uninterrupted time together, telling stories and relaxing in between bent rods and photos of the widest grins you've ever seen under the hot summer sun.
It's always great to introduce your family to something you love, but it's important to do it right.
Whether your family members are equally as obsessed as you are, or they've never held a rod in their lives, here are some great tips from the folks at Rapala, the legendary lure-maker, to ensure you have the most fun possible on the water together this summer.
First things first, bring snacks - Low blood sugar is a sure-fire way for light-hearted trash talk to turn vicious. Have each person pick out their favorite snack and bring it on board to keep everyone happy. Plus, it's hot out there. Bring a sports drink or lemonade for electrolytes!
Meet everyone where they're at, skill-wise - Spend time and patience teaching the newbies of the group so they can have fun (and be safe) on the water, whatever that means for them! If the pros wanna "pro-out," dedicate special time for them to let their competitive flag fly. If you do this, make sure to take photos to inspire the rookies.
Incorporate everyone's interests - Believe it or not, every angler has something different about the sport that reeled them in for the first time. Maybe your teen just likes tanning on the boat. Maybe your little one wants to be like his big brother. Maybe Mom really loves setting personal records. Maybe Dad just likes having everyone all together. Ask everyone what they are most looking forward to before the trip starts to ensure that everyone has a great time - and wants to do it again next year!
Bring a healthy mix of baits - While some anglers might be ready for a technical hard bait lure like the Rapala PXR Mavrik™ 110 or the Jigging Rap®, the little ones or rookies on the boat might prefer to start with soft plastics like the CrushCity™ Mooch Minnow™ or the Freeloader™. Designed in collaboration with the world's number one angler, Jacob Wheeler, these soft plastics promise pros and rookies alike maximum crushability.
Let each person pick out their own gear - Sometimes, anticipation can be just as sweet as a thing itself. There's no better way to get everyone excited for the trip ahead than to let them pick out a brand-new toy to try on the water. Whether it's a new rod, like the Myth Spinning Rod by 13 Fishing, or a bait in a fun new color (a CrushCity Janitor™ in Ghost Morning Dawn is great for a little one in a princess phase), gifts are a great way to dial up the anticipation for a summer trip.
Create traditions - A truly great fishing trip entails a lot more than just fishing. Think of the things your family loves doing together. Maybe it's stopping at your favorite restaurant in town, making s'mores with peanut butter cups, or watching a specific movie. Whatever it is, make it a tradition to revisit every year and create special memories that last.
Bring a scale to inspire some fun competition - A little healthy competition is a great way to engage anglers of all levels. Bring a scale, like this one from Rapala, to weigh in your catches. Keep score of everyone's heaviest fish. Winner gets bragging rights until next year!
For new anglers, don't do too much too fast - Don't hand a kiddo that's never held a fish a slimy, squirmy sunfish and expect them to have a good time. Start by holding it yourself, then let the little ones gently pet the scales until they get used to it.
Bring other activities - Coloring books and card games are a godsend for when the littles lose patience and the pros want to keep casting. Remember, the most important thing is spending time together.
Take lots of photos - The kiddos will definitely want to document their "legendary" catches, even if it's just a little perch. If you have teens or young adults, they might want to post their wins on social media.
Do your research - Try to find a destination where catchability is high and the water is clear. Morale can run low if bites are few and far between, or if weeds run rampant.
The safer you are, the more fun you'll have - Bring sunscreen, lifejackets, lots of water, and always have a first-aid kit on your boat. A dehydrated, burnt angler is a sad angler! Make sure you take care of your body and help others do the same. Also, a good lesson on hook and water safety is never a waste of time.
