J.M Kendall of Bass Pro Newswire wrote rencently:

The red and white bobber bobbed on the surface of the small pond. Although it was still early in the day, summer insects buzzed and whirred in the warm, still air. My tee shirt clung damply to my back and my pony tail itched. But, my eyes were glued to the bobber until they were almost crossed.

Then it happened. The unmistakable ‘plop’ of the bobber going under and the slight tug on my line that meant I had a fish. I was six, it was summer, and I was fishing with my mom. What could be better?

With school getting out soon for the summer, many fortunate youngsters will get the same opportunity I enjoyed, but many won’t. Today, so many factors vie for kid’s attentions elsewhere—video games, television, malls and cell phones—to name a few. And, most households include two working parents, and many others are single parent households, leaving no one at home to take the kids fishing. Too bad, because memories to last a lifetime can be made during summer days and all you need are water, a little gear and some time.

If you are introducing a youngster to the idea of fishing for the first time there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the experience is enjoyable, rewarding and worth repeating. Here are a few things I remember from that summer of long ago, but they still apply today: Kids have limited attention spans especially younger ones. Instead of fishing from a boat, bank fish on a pond or small lake. This way, if the fish aren’t biting, kids are not stuck in a boat and can do other things like explore, swim or picnic.

• Select a spot that will ensure fish are caught. If young kids catch a fish they are more apt to get ‘hooked’ on the sport. Go to a small pond that has been stocked with game fish or a dock where plenty of bluegill and crappie hang out. Check with your local conservation or Department of Natural Resources office for locations. And the key is to have the kids fish—not the adult.

• Bait and gear should be simple too. For me, digging for worms was as much a part of the thrill of going fishing as anything else. Kids can still dig their own or you can take them to the bait shop so they can pick out their own and learn about worms and minnows as well. Gear can be anything from a bamboo pole, line and hook to a simple $20 spincast rod and reel combo.

• Don’t forget safety! Be sure youngsters are outfitted with a properly fitting life vest anytime they are around water. Also, take a snack, plenty of water, band aids, sunscreen and insect repellant.

• Finally, this is the perfect time to teach simple conservation messages. Even young children can be taught some important lessons about the earth around them. Teach them the concept of ‘catch and release’, picking up litter and cleaning up after themselves, and even water quality.

The rewards for taking a kid fishing are many—seeing their faces light up when they land their first fish, reliving your own similar experience and making memories to last a lifetime. And, by helping to ‘pass on’ simple traditions like this you are doing your part to help ensure a future outdoors for others and inspiring others to do the same. This summer, go grab a rod and reel and a kid (or adult) and go fishing. www.basspro.com.