For the past year, Rohan and I have been talking about teaching the girls some patience. We wanted to show them the fruit of patience and perseverance. We wondered for a while how we would teach them this. Then one day while I watched a father and son duo fish at our local lake, I knew I had found my answer! We would take them fishing. And so, we had out first fishing experience at Pinery Provincial Park!
It was going to be the first time any of us would fish and we knew that there was quite a bit we would need to learn before we went. We showed the girls videos of other kids fishing and got them really excited to go fishing. We went to Pinery Provincial Park for the day and this Park is filled with so many fabulous activities and things to do specially with kids. If you are planning a trip to Pinery Provincial Park, Click Here to learn more about the Park and the services offered. As soon as we got there, the air was filled with excitement. We quickly started making bets on who would catch their first fish. At the park we met our wonderful guide who quickly set us up with our fishing rods, worms and bait and off we were walking to our fishing spot.
Once we reached our fishing spot, the girls were excited to watched the worms being put on the hooks. The first hour was filled with eagerness and anticipation to catch a fish. They kept seeing fishes lured to their rods and the enthusiasm kept growing. While they did not catch any fishes, what they did learn was far more valuable. They learnt about water safety, the right types of hooks to use and safely releasing the fish back in the water. They learnt about the importance of wearing their PFDs when in water.
These lesson were so important and we were so glad that they had a chance to learn about it. They also had a total blast playing with the worms. Each of them had their own worm for the day and they cared for the worm and played with them all day. It was truly a magnificent day with so much learning for these little sponges.
Our first fishing experience at Pinery Provincial Park was such a success and I want to share the benefits of fishing! Do you know the benefits of fishing for kids? Here is a list on my 3 favourite things that we were able to teach our girls during our experience:
1. Patience
When the girls ask for something, they want it now. A day of fishing showed them the rewards of patience as they patiently waiting for the fishes to come for a bite.
2. Fine motor skills
Attaching a worm to the hook requires special care and attention. The girls were so excited to attach the worms to their hooks. We gladly let them because it was improving their fine motor skills.
3. Outdoors
By now you know that we will do absolutely anything and everything to decrease screen time for the girls. Fishing gave us all a chance to put our screens down and have a fun family adventure outdoors amidst nature.
Not just the kids, but Rohan and I learnt so much from our day fishing as well. You may not think of it but fishing is actually a great way to get some cardio in. Walking from one spot to the other hauling all the fishing gear and running after the kids? Well, you definitely get a good round of cardio in!
Along with our goal of teaching the girls about fishing and patience, there was so much more that they learnt throughout the day. Here are a few more things that they learnt:
1. Their role with invasive species
Cleaning tackles in between fishing trips is beneficial to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Baits and soil should not be dumped into soil or water. This can introduce invasive species of worms and other microorganisms. At the Pinery Provincial Park, they even have a great incentive program wherein if you return the bait container along with the soil at the store, you get a free Popsicle!
2. Water safety and the use of Personal floatation devices
The girls are still learning to swim. No matter what, they are not allowed in the water without a life vest! There are times when they complain and do not want to wear one because they see other kids without it. Well, let me tell you, accidents happen and when they do, there is no warning. Better safe than sorry.
3. Catch and release
We had a recreational license and thus, every time we caught a fish, we safely released it back in the water. Fishes are able to stay outside of the water for 1-2 minutes. This will give you enough time to remove the hook and release the fish back in the water. Be attentive of other animals present in the water. If you reel in a turtle (it happened to us 3 times), release the turtle right away! To learn more about keeping turtles off the hook, Click Here.
All in all, it was a very educational day for all four of us. Each one of us discovered something new and took home a lesson we learnt! And the most exciting part of this day? I CAUGHT A FISH! – The only one amongst the four of us to catch one!
We try to find innovative ways to teach our girls an important life lesson. After a very successful first fishing experience at Pinery Provincial Park, I am so glad we picked fishing to teach them patience. I know this is something our family is going to love to do as a hobby because our first experience was nothing short of splendid!
If you are looking for other fun activities with kids in the Bruce Peninsula, make sure you Click Here.
